Based on a chapter from When I Will Be Happy by Mónica Esgueva, we reflect on Matthieu Ricard’s suggestion to replace self-esteem with self-compassion.
Self-esteem, based on external achievements, makes us constantly compare ourselves and struggle to feel good.
Self-compassion involves treating ourselves with kindness, learning from mistakes, and accepting our weaknesses. Unlike self-esteem, it does not depend on external factors and is related to emotional stability and connection with shared humanity.
Fostering self-compassion provides us with kindness, emotional balance, and security without the need to be unique, as we are inherently worthy of respect.
