Recommended books on improving non existent self esteem/ self confidence/ assertiveness?

[PalaverParty]

I have literally very low self esteem. I have suffered from it since I was a wee girl and cant remember a time where i felt good about just being who I am. As a result of this and I guess other things I also have Social Anxiety Disorder too. I really dont like myself and want to change desperately. I know it will be very hard but I dont want to just accept this.

So can anyone recommend a useful book on improving self esteem/ self confidence and assertiveness?

TIA

Dear Palaver

Firstly, you're already on the way to changing things by recognising that you have low self-esteem and being prepared to do something about it.

A book which is often suggested is A Woman in Your Own Right: Assertiveness and You by Anne Dickson. It's out of print now but available second hand from Amazon.

However, I can thoroughly recommend Brene Brown's writing, especially The Gifts of Imperfection, subtitled 'Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to be and Embrace Who You Are'. Her TED talk on vulnerability is one of the most watched TED talks, so you might like to check that out too. And associated with the book I've mentioned, she set up an art-journalling course which she describes in a video clip here . I can personally vouch for the course being incredibly effective, enjoyable and a different way to explore your challenges.

Hope this helps. You are not alone, so come back here and share your progress. Be kind to yourself!