Raising self esteem

[Priddypuddycat]

Hi can anyone recommend good books , podcasts or Instagram to follow that will help me. I’m approaching 50, single and childless not through choice. I’m feeling very down and something to lift me . I can normally pick myself up but there have several things this year that have made this harder
I would love to meet someone but find the whole online thing soul destroying and never seem to meet anyone irl

I’m sorry you’re feeling that way OP. Fern Cotton’s Happy Place podcast might not be exactly what you’re looking for but it’s great for examining what “happiness” is and where to find it.
Good luck.

Try Responsibility Rebellion by Kain Ramsay - here

My go-to recommendations are:

• Women who love too much (terrible title, but it's still going strong decades after it was published...); and
• The six pillars of self-esteem (another classic)

Nearly forgot another really good classic self help book:

Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and how it Can Help You Findand Keeplove
Book by Amir Levine and Rachel S. F. Heller

A book might help to highlight negative thought processes - but honestly, honestly the very best way to raise self esteem in middle age is to take on a really thrilling new challenge amongst new people of all ages.

A one year postgrad degree at a concrete, not online, university - in a subject you've always longed to study - is my best recommendation. But joining an expedition (Pole or mountain peak) or offering one's skills to an international volunteer organisation would also be great.

Do something brave. Take a leap.

This book really helped me when I was in a pit and has great reviews

Thanks for the lovely responses , I’m actually starting a new professional challenge soon. I generally have a good outlook and do all the right things , exercise, have hobbies etc just having a bad day - I guess I miss the immediate support that a lovely partner can give when you are dealing with things like bereavement and illness