Consider the poor moose. Long gangly legs supporting an
awkward, oversized body topped by a rack of antlers that looks like it will
topple him over. What a poor sight. Hmmmmmm. Well, Mrs. Moose doesn't think
so, and none of the animals of the forest who know moose think so either.
Moose medicine teaches us the value of self-esteem, and of rewarding ourselves and others for a job well done. Moose walks with a measured and regal gait with his head held high for he knows he has value and dignity.
Moose people do not hesitate to encourage others to learn and grow for they are not threatened with the thought that someone might get to be better at a thing; the student surpassing the teacher as it were. Moose will not only encourage others to learn, he will jump in and help teach, and will show by example. Moose people will never ask others to do what they will not do themselves.
Moose knows how damaging unkind criticism and nitpicking is to the spirit of someone trying to learn and do their best. Moose will look for any excuse to tell the world about something that has been done well, and he sings it forth for all to hear. People work hard to please moose because the rewards of his pleasure are great.
Moose does not suffer from false shyness or inhibitions or the tendency to make light of his own accomplishments. He is not coy about his successes. Moose says, "I worked hard to do this, and I did it well. I'm proud of myself". When you acknowledge that your own acceptance of a thing well done, and satisfying your own standards, really is important to you, you are on the road to building a bedrock of solid self-esteem. Remember that "self" esteem comes from the inside out — not from outside sources.
If you do it well, admit it and enjoy it. Praise from others is good, but praise for yourself is more important. If someone else does something well, praise them. Be as generous with your praise as you are your criticisms. Bring joy into the world — and shout about it.
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