Own Your Power

In Heart-Centered Teaching Inspired by Nature, Nancy Rosenow talks about the importance of self-esteem...

"I remember as a child being told by my grandmother that I'd better be sure I wasn't getting 'too big for my britches.'  My second grade teacher used a favorite line often: 'None of you are geniuses, so you'd better work hard if you ever want to amount to anything.'  I'm sure both of those admonitions were delivered with well-meaning intent, but what I absorbed from them was a worry about thinking too highly of myself.  While it's true that placing too much emphasis on helping children develop 'self-esteem' can (and does) backfire, I believe placing too much emphasis on humility can be just as counter-productive.

"Once, during a workshop for teachers, I asked people to describe qualities they appreciate about themselves and was met with awkward silence. One woman finally said, 'I don't think I have any qualities I appreciate.'  I found it sad and a bit frightening that someone whose work it is to help children develop into their full potential hadn't allowed herself to celebrate her own.  Allowing ourselves to recognize and appreciate our unique talents and skills is not conceit.  It is an important part of being able to live fully and authentically."

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