Self-Esteem and HW2

Today I'm reflecting on the relationship between the loss of self-esteem and the decrease in our health, wellness and wholeness (HW2). Illness (or injury), especially that which changes the way in which we interact with our world, often leads to a loss of self-esteem. Persons lose their self-esteem whenever they are unable to fulfill the role that they had in society. This is often due to a loss of job or function within the workplace.

When self-esteem is lost, or significantly decreased, it affects our wholeness - our sense of self and our role in the world. This is a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts as we descend into the pit of loss, we often find ourselves in a place without light and without a path back into life. I am interacting with a person right now who has had a divorce (some years ago) and who still feels alienated from the "married world" and thinks she doesn't fit in to the church because of her "status". Self-esteem is a powerful worldview that can be really debilitating when lost!

In order to regain our HW2 we need a different narrative than the one that the world gives. We need a narrative of forgiveness and empowerment that puts the situation in perspective, provides support for honest sharing, and enables us to see our world in a new and healthy way. This is why we at Possibilities Journey, Inc (www.possjrny.org) are attempting to re-integrate spiritual care through faith communities into health care systems. Without the spiritual/wholeness focus, people may be adequately treated, but will still be left broken and unwhole.

Regaining self-esteem and our worldview is exactly what faith communities do (in the best of situations). This is why they are filled with broken people who are searching for healing - healing of the spirit and connection with people who truly care for all of them, not just the part that used to be employed, sober, married, rich, powerful, etc. Come along and help us create that environment for everyone.

May your week be filled with peace,
Dan