As a result of these limitations imposed on me by my background, I ended up struggling with serious self-esteem issues for quite many years. As a young woman, I didn’t see myself as good enough, beautiful enough, smart enough, successful enough, and I was desperately trying to be perfect. Putting my needs and desires first used to feel very uncomfortable and selfish. I was a master of giving, facing serious obstacles to receiving. I was giving my care and attention, my time and energy to everyone else except for myself. Always striving to be the best friend I could be, the best daughter or the best employee at work. Pleasing others so that they would like me, validating my worth through other people and doing the best I could for a “well done!” In reality, we can only change the things we are aware of and what we accept to be true, even if it’s hard. Facing the truth and recognizing my self-esteem was injured, I was then able to do some work and change it.