Hi, welcome
That can be really challenging.
As part of my recovery with anxiety decades ago now, my then therapist identified how intrusive thoughts and fantasies were responsible for many of my problems, holding me back with development. So he taught me to identify with what thoughts were realistic and what wasnt.
Eg When I had a sick day from work once I kept being in fear my boss would knock on my door to see if I was really sick, or he was driving past watching me cut wood. I asked myself- "is this realistic"? No it wasnt. So that was the very first realisation that I could separate such non productive thoughts from real life.
We are all individual unique people on earth, we all have our own personalities, desires, appearances. If you go through life with low self esteem that means you dont ever embrace yourself, love yourself and often compare yourself to others. That state of mind isnt a great way to spend your life. In my first marriage of 11 years long I was criticised and abused a lot. I ended up leaving and had a poor outlook on myself. So, every day I'd stare in the mirror and repeat aloud "I am a good person, I deserve love and be loved, I'm a good father". After 3-4 months it began to work, I grew confidence, I began to believe in me. So the road to this isnt a short one, as you build up your life experiences you will improve with your faith in yourself.
Finally, attend motivation lectures, positive thinking is the best tool I've ever used. I have a thread below that highlights this. Worth the read.
https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/staying-well/30-minutes-can-change-your-life/td-p/154525
https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/staying-well/the-best-praise-you-ll-ever-get/td-p/134999
"To not love yourself makes it hard for others to do so also....you are worthy of appreciation
Google- prem rawat maharaji appreciate. Prem rawat maharaji all is well
TonyWK
