h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

For me self esteem building is when we honour ourselves by being true in thought and deed. When you do anything for another, friend, neighbor, relative, whether it be big or small, you know in yourself that it was for the good. You asked for no reward or big thank you`s
just a good feeling that you were there when needed.

Working with people who were less fortunate than myself was a very big help. People with learning and physical disabilities. Befriending them just to bring a smile on the severely disabled helps you see that even in the darkest corner that inner light will reach you also.
To teach them basic skills in life brings an inner glow to yourself, you helped someone over a number of weeks to sit at a table and feed themself with a spoon. You look back and know within yourself you helped another less able than you.

At another time in my life i was feeling very low after a very long period of unemployment. Quite by accident i discovered i could paint large pictures on walls. For the next 2 years with different
"Training Agencies" [ i taught myself ] I painted in a hospital , schools, children`s creche`s, community centres and also in a day centre for people with learning difficulties. I gave them to opportunity to learn colours, too hold a brush, to maintain concentration amonst many other things. You feel good , and you like yourself for what you have done, knowing that you made that corner of
the universe a better place. Your stature grows tall as you hold your head up with the utmost respect for you.