There are times when we do feel as if nothing’s out there and that the world and all the so-called happy people are conspiring to make us feel more miserable and empty. Most of us blame our environments for our loneliness. Some blame other people. There are those that point to work, or family, even strangers. Whatever it is, we are not directing that accusing finger at ourselves, where the problems most likely lie – particularly, poor self-esteem.

But low self-worth need not be a gruding burden all our lives. There actually ARE ways to get around them and place ourselves in happier, more contented states of mind. Here are some points to consider whenever we think our love lives are not so fine and dandy.

• Run an inventory on how you see yourself, separating your positive traits from your negative ones. Through this list, you will be able to know how you perceive yourself and how far you are willing to change some of those nasty habits you have. This is a good reminder of the many more things you should be smiling about.
• Banish negative thoughts. It’s always healthier to be an optimist than a pessimist. If you think positively about yourself and your ability to accomplish a lot of things, your glow will just naturally reflect toward other people, making you more attractive to plus energies.
• Give yourself a makeover. From time to time, reward yourself for a job well done at the office, or even for a simple good deed for others. Go to the mall and buy yourself an article of clothing or a new bottle of cologne, or head off to the spa for that much needed pampering.
• Polish yourself. As often as your bedroom window needs to be cleaned and cleared out, you also need to find novel ways to improve yourself. Do volunteer work. Join groups of interest. Take extra classes. Get fit at the gym. This way, you get to interact and meet people, and add plus points to your inner good-job checklist.

There are more things you will learn as you read on. The above points are merely teasers to keep you inspired at the onset of this journey toward self-discovery and self-love. Again, living and loving life does not depend on the approval and thumbs-ups of other people.

What is important is that you find yourself smiling, breathing more easily and having a lot of fun – with or without company. Remember, you came into this world alone. Thus, from infancy, you are already equipped with the right rational and social faculties to avoid being emotionally dependent. We are born with the ability to thrive and exist. We should begin realizing that we have it so we can use it to our advantage.