On the Wings of Self-esteem

Book excerpt: "It seems as though humans have a reverse metamorphosis. We start out as beautiful butterflies, then are turned into ugly caterpillars. We spend the rest of our lives trying to remember and become the beautiful creatures we once were."So said a friend to Dr. Louise Hart several years ago. Struck with the poignancy of this observation, Dr. Hart decided to write a book that would help us become butterflies again. Her purpose is to help us recover and access the qualities that every human being possesses at birth: truthfulness, openness, curiosity, and creativity. The author explores three main stages of personal transformation: reaching in, reaching out, and reaching high. By engaging in these stages we learn to listen to ourselves, accept ourselves, set personal boundaries, and set goals. Reviews: "A wonderful book! It contains timeless insights, deep psychological truths presented in a simple yet profound way, and practical exercises you can begin to do today to create the quality of life you desire and deserve. If everyone in America read this book and did the recommended exercises, half of all the pain and suffering we currently experience would disappear."-Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul"Reflects practical wisdom based on a blending of compassion and experience. Here is a valuable book, indeed. A significant book on an important topic." -Dan Millman, author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior"I certainly didn't think such a little book would have such a big impact on my thoughts about myself and others, but it did! I've read a lot of things on self-esteem, and this was the first book which really helped me CHANGE my self-esteem."-Anonymous Amazon Reviewer"On the Wings of Self-Esteem is an elegant little book that teaches about self-esteem: how it is lost, how to regain it, and how to keep it. Beautifully crafted and a pleasure to read. My clients love it!"-Ani Liggett, Ph.D. Marriage and Family Therapist"The best self-esteem book on the market. I have had at least 35 clients use this book. Every single one has loved it!"-Ginger, therapist, Amazon Reviewer"A wonderful collection of wisdom presented in simple lyrical language. Exactly what our society so desperately needs right now. This beautiful book soars, taking the reader to new heights of potential health. It makes a giant contribution that will help stamp out the alienation and anger in our culture. Should be required reading."-Dr. Patricia Palmer, therapist & author of Liking Myself; The Mouse, the Monster, and Me; Teen Esteem; I Wish I Could Hold Your Hand"A wonderful book on self-esteem that is practical, uplifting and transforming."-Jerry Jampolsky, M.D., author of Love is Letting Go of Fear"A little gem! Keep pushing the great treasure of self-esteem. May it infect everyone."-Patch Adams, M.D., Gesundheit Institute"This is life-giving reading for anyone who wants to be authentic and free in living with integrity, personal power and grace. Louise Hart guides us in a self-empowering process to break through the cocoons that keep us victims of powerlessness, helping us to discover the wind for transformation beneath our wings."-Judith Cauley, Superintendent of the Diocese of Colorado Springs, CO"This is one of the main books I use in my sociology class. This book gives my students opportunities to look at themselves, gain self-confidence, and approach the world in a more positive way."-Helen Meloy, Ph.D., California State University, Northridge"Louise takes human potential from complexity to simplicity through a delightful metaphor."-Jim Malanowski, Ph.D., V.P. Performance Learning Systems"For all of us who dream and aspire to be our best, but constantly battle self-destructive behaviors, Hart offers an action plan and gives hope that we will reach our maximum potential and become butterflies."-Dr. Deborah Livingston-White, Director of Special Education, East Detroit School District"Self-esteem issues are often at the root of spiritual blockages. Dr. Hart's creative approach is filled with wisdom and beauty."-Joyce Rupp, International Retreat Director, author of Praying Our Goodbyes"In my 22 years in law enforcement I have seen that lack of appropriate self-esteem is an important factor that weaves through the personality of virtually every person involved in criminal behavior. This book provides a roadmap that can be used at any point in one's life to enable a positive personal transformation." -George Epp, Sheriff, Boulder CountyThis book blends the role of beliefs in early development with the hope of a deeper knowledge that underneath we are whole and healthy. It will help individuals understand that the self-esteem they have been looking for has been within them all along. It will be a real key to a healthy rebirth and a letting go of blame and guilt."-Barbara L. McComb, Ph.D., Senior Director, Motivation and Human Development, Mid-Continent Regional Educational Laboratory"What a wonderful analogy of personal healing through metamorphosis. This book provided much needed exercises to develop your wings to freedom and to your self-esteem."-California Assemblyman John Vasconcellos"A delightful book full of helpful exercises to develop your wings of self-esteem."-Joyful Child Magazine"We applaud your courage to help awaken people to their own personal metamorphosis."-Marie Devlin, Friends of Creation Spirituality"This book is like getting a new pair of glasses. I now get up wanting to get the most out of every day."-Carol, Elementary School Teacher