Self-esteem: Our Superhero Armor?

The breeze of self-worth fills the Hero’s cape.

In a life that moves fast, where thoughts and judgments fly from all sides, what if learning to appreciate ourselves — sincerely, deeply — were the antidote to a sometimes bewildering world?

And what if developing genuine self-esteem and self-love (not only as thoughts, but as feelings) became the shield we need? An inner, protective shield against sharp criticism — from others, but also from ourselves. Against the events that shake us, and the painful relationships we don’t always understand. Could self-esteem save us from rejection, from abandonment, even from oblivion?

An anchor, a comforting presence to oneself. As if we could become our own superhero, able to face life’s challenges with courage.

We might start from this principle: because I know myself and appreciate who I am, I know what I am capable of. And I also recognize my limits, with humility. I can laugh at myself, without sinking into toxic shame. I can accept myself in my strengths and my vulnerabilities. I know where my inner lands begin and end, whom I can open my door to, and whom I choose to say no to.

But how do we get there?

Often, it begins with admiration. The admiration we feel for movie heroes, for inspiring figures, for luminous beings. As children, we look up with shining eyes at superhero posters. And then, simply, at the people around us. What do they experience? What seems easy for them? What admirable qualities seem inaccessible in them? And what if what I am able to see in others is also something I already carry within me, even if only as a seed?

So, I set out on a quest. Sometimes clumsily. At first, by trying to be what I am not. Then, after a sometimes exhausting struggle of so-called “personal development,” I may discover another way: a slow, gentle observation of what is already there.

The spotlights I once directed at others, I begin to turn toward myself — not to judge or glorify, but to see myself clearly. I start to notice what I do naturally, without effort. I slowly discover what flows through me: these gestures, these words, this way of being that feels truly mine. I perceive the echo it creates around me. I also understand that I am not made to please everyone… At my own pace, I learn to recognize and welcome myself.

This path is not linear. There are ups, downs, steps backward. Doubts arise. We ask ourselves: is this ego? Is it useful? We love ourselves, then hate ourselves again. And yet… over time, we notice something has changed. Yesterday’s wounds slide off where they once pierced the heart. What used to make us stumble now bounces, little by little, against a stronger armor: the armor of self-esteem.

Perhaps, at its core, it is about shifting from comparison to recognition. Integrating our own inner hero archetype. The one who knows how to protect what matters most: dreams, hopes, loves, values. And who, without denying their flaws, also knows how to ask for help when needed. Because even heroes do not save the world alone. Strength comes from unity, doesn’t it?

And what if growing in self-love became our true superpower?

Because I know myself to be strong and capable, I no longer collapse at the first obstacle. My thoughts no longer drag me into despair. I know myself to be alive, resilient, full of resources ready to be mobilized. I have faith, I have trust, and I move forward.

So, could self-esteem be the cornerstone of a freer existence? The heart of the hero, the one that shines in the shadows because it knows itself to be worthy. Worthy of this life, worthy of creating, of loving, of taking its place. Worthy of tracing its own path. Knowing what is right for itself, and for others.

Self-esteem would then be the invisible shield that protects, the inner cape that wraps the being in kindness. A way of saying to life: I am here. I choose myself. And I choose this existence.

As a therapist, this is what the quest for the hero and for self-esteem inspires in me… An invitation to explore many paths, through the richness of archetypes and the complexity of the human experience.

An article written by

Laetitia Lahanier - Therapist

https://laetitialahanier.com/