CarusoBlog

How much would you pay for more self-esteem?

Feeling good is important enough to spend money on it.  In fact, we do.

New clothes, a clean car, hair color and vocational training are just a few of the ways we try to buy a strong self-concept. 

And there's a store in Royal Oak, Michigan that actually sells self-esteem.  The Self Esteem Shop (248-549-9900), located at 32839 Woodward Avenue, sells books, audio programs and various signage that promote feelings of self-worth.

Many people think nothing of spending money on liquor, tattoos and gambling--purchases that give little long-term return-on-investment. 

But what if you could go to a store, browse through some shelves and pay for more self-esteem?  What exactly would you purchase?  How much would you be willing to pay in order to feel better about yourself?  Would you make one such trip a year, or make weekly visits?

 

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Quick promo vid for my site.

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What if these are the best of times?

Composed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana-

You'd never know it from this photo of my mom and dad, but my mom was a negative person.  Please don't think that I'm speaking badly of her now that she's been deceased for 15 years. 

Our family talked openly about this with her when she got into one of her frequent funks and when she had her nervous breakdown.  

The truth is that mom had trouble looking at the bright side of things.  She wasn't able to feel good even when her life was going well.  When mom contracted terminal lung cancer in 1992, she was forced to realize that those "negative" years would be the happiest days of her life.  Such a shame.

It's also sad to read in today's newspaper that many companies are cutting back on their 401ks or pulling out of them altogether.  Employees that could have enjoyed matching contributions to their savings for many years will not have that opportunity any longer.  That opportunity to save money might be the best financial opportunity they will ever see.

Anytime is a great time for resolutions and self-improvement, but The New Year is a great time to recognize the sound of opportunity knocking and be grateful for all the good stuff in your life.  

Even with all the bad news of 2008, these are the best of times and 2009 will be even better.