Lately, I’ve been listening to conversations of people and the things they do that directly relate to their character and self image.

Having a favorable or respectful image of oneself is critical when wanting others to perceive you the same way. Therefore, making wise choices when confronted with trivial dilemmas is important. If you feel that duplicating a rented DVD is illegal, don’t do it. If you know that cheating on a test is unethical, don’t do it. If you believe dating two people at the same time is distasteful and inappropriate, don’t do it.

The decisions you make that are not positive or respectful can harm not just you and your integrity, but the trust of others as well.

Our past and background can significantly affect the way we live, feel about ourselves, and treat others. They largely determine our feelings of worthiness. Positive self-esteem is not the same as being self-centered or egotistical. No matter what we face each day, we are all capable of increasing our self-esteem. The first step in building one’s self-esteem is to accept who you are and then set guidelines for improving what needs to be corrected.

For many people, the more you accomplish, the better you feel about yourself. However, know your limits. Exercise your inner strength. Know that you deserve good things in life and good relationships.

Think about it: When selecting a spouse or a new employee at work, do you wish to hire someone who others have stated is dishonest, not loyal, or who steals from  marriage?

Some types of behavior can be very hard to forgive or forget. Inmates who become trustees in a prison are still known to be convicts who really have to prove themselves over time in the eyes of others. They are somewhat scarred by their former actions.

Making poor decisions about legal matters, work-related issues, or relationships can result at a great price!

Focus on what you can do in life to be a better person and choose the brighter side of life.

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne.

Her column regularly appears in The Bulletin.