How nice are you ?

"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

We've all heard this saying. It's something our parents reminded us of constantly. In fact, you may very well be cautioning your own children.

Now that you realize how hurtful words can be to others, have you every thought about the effects your own comments have on your self-esteem? Do you ever hear yourself saying nasty things about someone-that someone being you?

No one likes to be called "lazy, " "stupid," or "fat," and calling ourselves these names has a damaging effect on our self-worth. So today, take your own advice and the next time you begin to say something bad about yourself, try to stop. Instead of pointing out how little you have accomplished, why not acknowledge what you have achieved? And try replacing words like "I can't" and "I won't" with "I can" and "I will".

Being churlish never served us when we were young, and that is still true. Be kind to yourself.