EPISODE 1/5 - MINI-SERIES : Discussion about the book 'Accept, value and empower yourself' by David B Carter

Hello wonderful butterflies of this world 🦋,

There's a new episode on the 'Ash Unmasked Podcast'! 

This is the first episode in a five-part mini-series about building self-esteem. In this mini-series, we explore the book 'Accept, Value and Empower Yourself' by David Bonham Carter. If you’re not familiar with the book (or you’re just curious what this series is all about), check out the intro episode 🔗HERE🔗.

The first chapter of this book is called 'value yourself'. Each chapter contains exercises that we find very pertinent, we invite you to pause and reflect about theses exercises, if you'd like to.

⚠️ Note: If you’re working through trauma or a mental health condition, please be mindful, some exercises can be emotionally triggering. Go at your own pace, respect your limits and don’t hesitate to seek support from professionals.

🎧 Listen to this episode on Spotify here 🎧:

The chapter begins with a quote that we really enjoy:

“If you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” - Vincent Van Gogh

This chapter explores the real meaning of valuing oneself, not by inflating the ego, but by building a reasonable and balanced self-esteem. High self-esteem isn’t about being cocky or fearless, it’s about feeling good enough without stepping on others.

Healthier self-esteem might look like:

• Less self-doubt, more self-trust
• Healthier relationships (goodbye, self-put-downs)
• Clearer communication
• Assertiveness without anxiety
• More focus, less stress

Exercise #1: What would better self-esteem look like for you?

• For us, it’s about: Feeling better about ourself, worrying less about being “enough”, communicating more clearly, overall feeling less anxious and more focused.

Enjoying yourself is part of the work

The book reminds us: to build self-esteem, one must start by enjoying the self. That means making time to do the things that bring us joy. Guiltless.

Exercise #2: List 10 activities you enjoy

Here’s what’s on our list:

• Reading 
• Yoga
• Nature walks
• Dancing & art
• Organizing events
• Doing our nails
• Watching YouTube tutorials
• Listening to music
• Swinging (yes, like at the playground!)
• Hanging out with close friends 💛

The key to this exercise? Don’t just make the list, commit to doing at least one, very soon.

🎧 Listen to this episode on Youtube here 🎧:
 

Limiting beliefs hold us back

Finally, we tackle the limiting beliefs. These sneaky thoughts that live in our subconscious and sabotage us. The book invites us to identify and reframe them.

We give a very deep down personal example:

• Limiting belief: Somehow we think we're stupid.

• New belief: We're not stupid, we just learn differently.

• Action: To accept our learning style and move at our own pace.

• Result: More self-compassion and steady progress.

It’s a vulnerable, messy process, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Exercise #3: Affirmations to recognize the positives

This part is all about crafting personal affirmations rooted in truth. Not what others think about you, but what you know about yourself. 

Try writing your own. Keep them visible. Read them daily.

Here are some of ours:

• I am a generous and kind person.
• I am courageous and strong.
• I’m a creative artist in many mediums.
• I’m competent and constantly growing.

Exercise #4: Daily positive diary

Always remember that small things end up having big impact. Another powerful exercise is to create a positive diary for one week. 

Each day, write:

• One thing you achieved

• One thing you enjoyed

• One positive trait you showed

It doesn’t have to be major. Last Sunday, we deep cleaned the floors, we did our nails, and we showed ourselves and our home some love.

🎙️ Finally, self-esteem starts with:

• Valuing ourselves and doing what brings us joy

• Celebrating our qualities, achievements, and actions

• Learning to spot the limiting beliefs, and flip the script

📆 Tune in next Saturday at 10AM, for the second episode of this mini-series, where we will discuss the second chapter of the book, called 'Accept Yourself'.

Join the Conversation 

What are your thoughts on the subject? Any ideas for futures episodes? Feel free to leave comments below connect with us on social media!

• Don’t forget to subscribe to Ash Unmasked on Spotify and YouTube to stay updated on new episodes.

We can't wait to unmask more of this life journey with y'alls. 

Thanks so much for stopping by the pod!

Until next time, peace out, take care of yourselves out there and keep fluttering your wings 🦋

🔗 Links & Resources:

• 🎧 Ash Unmasked Podcast on Spotify

• 🎧 Ash Unmasked Podcast on Youtube

• ✍️ The BLOG about the intro episode 🔗HERE🔗

• 💌 Postcards and Souvenirs: Butterfly Shots on Facebook or Butterfly Shots on IG

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