One more thing Russ,
It’s not about telling people all the things you don’t like about yourself. It’s about using the energy of connecting and loving this part of yourself.

Hey Russ,
First off I think one of the misconceptions you have is that you’re unique. That only you have these self esteem issues, and thoughts of worthlessness. When you look at other people you think they have their stuff together. They’re smart and confident and yada yada yada. Guess what? You’re wrong. EVERYBODY is insecure. Everybody hates themselves to some degree. The self help industry makes BILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year! BILLIONS! That’s not just a few people buying these books and going to therapy. That’s millions of people. So lighten up Russ. There’s nothing wrong with you. Everyone and I mean EVERYONE is imperfect and messed up. I say embrace your imperfection. That’s what makes you you. A great exercise that I think would really help you out is embracing your shadow. For a more in depth look at this I highly recommend reading the book “The Tools” by Phil Stutz and Barry Michels who are two therapists to big hollywood stars. What you do is take all the stuff you are hiding from other people, the stuff you don’t want people to know about you. All the stuff you hate about yourself. This is your shadow and we all have one. The problem is we are constantly trying to hide this part of ourself from others and are paranoid if people see it. Try to imagine what this shadow looks like to you. How you think others see you. For me it’s a super old, skinny, balding, weak, stupid, ugly, insecure awkward little man who constantly slouches. He’s also like five inches shorter than me. This isn’t what I actually look like but for some reason this is who I see myself becoming. And when people talk to me I think they’re seeing this person too. Normally we try to hide this weird, stupid person from others. But instead, look at it and create a LOVING BOND with it. Truly LOVE this part of yourself. Warts and all. Constantly visualize this shadow and smile and offer it love. When you are talking to people, or whatever, sense this shadow and feel this bond with it than feel the power of it becoming one with you. Not caring what people think about you. You love your shadow. This does wonders and you’ll sense this crazy power you’ve never had before. I did this in an intimidating job interview and it was insane! I basically took over. I became another person. The employer said he had never had an interview like that and offered me the job on the spot. Try it Russ. You’ll love it.