Self Esteem and the Past

I agree that we need to try to do what you are good at and what we like to do. When we get good at something, we can say to ourselves at least I can do a lot of sit-ups or bake good cookies. We all need to have an idenity.

I found it very helpful to pat myself on the back for every little positive thing that I do. I am very sensitive to criticism, and I love compliments. So I got in the habit of giving myself a pat on the back, instead of just waiting for others to give me praise. One bad remark in the morning used to ruin my entire day. My depressions seem to be closely related to the amount of criticism I am receiving. In other words, one person's 25 words in less could put me in depression. Others really did control me.
Good Luck,
James

Thanks once again.
I know that there's a lot that I am good at. I'm a good bowler, I love working latch hooks, I bike ride, I play volleyball from time to time, I love cooking, etc. I have a lot that I like to do. Lately I've been turning to friends when I feel like my self-esteem is getting really low because they always seem to get me to laugh and bring me up to a point that I can manage.
Just recently I started to pray at night before I go to bed and I've found that to be working nicely for me. Things have been a lot easier on me since I started praying.
I myself am very sensitive to criticism.
I gotta go.

~Jamie~