On the Wings of Self Esteem [Paperback]

Dr. Louise Hart (Author), Kristen Caven (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1995

"It seems as though humans have a reverse metamorphosis. We start out as beautiful butterflies, then are turned into ugly caterpillars. We spend the rest of our lives trying to remember and become the beautiful creatures we once were."So said a friend to Dr. Louise Hart several years ago. Struck with the poignancy of this observation, Dr. Hart decided to write a book that would help us become butterflies again. Her purpose is to help us recover and access the qualities that every human being possesses at birth: truthfulness, openness, curiosity, and creativity. The author explores three main stages of personal transformation: reaching in, reaching out, and reaching high. By engaging in these stages we learn to listen to ourselves, accept ourselves, set personal boundaries, and set goals. Reviews: "A wonderful book! It contains timeless insights, deep psychological truths presented in a simple yet profound way, and practical exercises you can begin to do today to create the quality of life you desire and deserve. If everyone in America read this book and did the recommended exercises, half of all the pain and suffering we currently experience would disappear."-Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul"Reflects practical wisdom based on a blending of compassion and experience. Here is a valuable book, indeed. A significant book on an important topic." -Dan Millman, author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior"I certainly didn't think such a little book would have such a big impact on my thoughts about myself and others, but it did! I've read a lot of things on self-esteem, and this was the first book which really helped me CHANGE my self-esteem."-Anonymous Amazon Reviewer"On the Wings of Self-Esteem is an elegant little book that teaches about self-esteem: how it is lost, how to regain it, and how to keep it. Beautifully crafted and a pleasure to read. My clients love it!"-Ani Liggett, Ph.D. Marriage and Family Therapist"The best self-esteem book on the market. I have had at least 35 clients use this book. Every single one has loved it!"-Ginger, therapist, Amazon Reviewer"A wonderful collection of wisdom presented in simple lyrical language. Exactly what our society so desperately needs right now. This beautiful book soars, taking the reader to new heights of potential health. It makes a giant contribution that will help stamp out the alienation and anger in our culture. Should be required reading."-Dr. Patricia Palmer, therapist & author of Liking Myself; The Mouse, the Monster, and Me; Teen Esteem; I Wish I Could Hold Your Hand"A wonderful book on self-esteem that is practical, uplifting and transforming."-Jerry Jampolsky, M.D., author of Love is Letting Go of Fear"A little gem! Keep pushing the great treasure of self-esteem. May it infect everyone."-Patch Adams, M.D., Gesundheit Institute"This is life-giving reading for anyone who wants to be authentic and free in living with integrity, personal power and grace. Louise Hart guides us in a self-empowering process to break through the cocoons that keep us victims of powerlessness, helping us to discover the wind for transformation beneath our wings."-Judith Cauley, Superintendent of the Diocese of Colorado Springs, CO"This is one of the main books I use in my sociology class. This book gives my students opportunities to look at themselves, gain self-confidence, and approach the world in a more positive way."-Helen Meloy, Ph.D., California State University, Northridge"Louise takes human potential from complexity to simplicity through a delightful metaphor."-Jim Malanowski, Ph.D., V.P. Performance Learning Systems"For all of us who dream and aspire to be our best, but constantly battle self-destructive behaviors, Hart offers an action plan and gives hope that we will reach our maximum potential and become butterflies."-Dr. Deborah Livingston-White, Director of Special Education, East Detroit School District"Self-esteem issues are often at the root of spiritual blockages. Dr. Hart's creative approach is filled with wisdom and beauty."-Joyce Rupp, International Retreat Director, author of Praying Our Goodbyes"In my 22 years in law enforcement I have seen that lack of appropriate self-esteem is an important factor that weaves through the personality of virtually every person involved in criminal behavior. This book provides a roadmap that can be used at any point in one's life to enable a positive personal transformation." -George Epp, Sheriff, Boulder CountyThis book blends the role of beliefs in early development with the hope of a deeper knowledge that underneath we are whole and healthy. It will help individuals understand that the self-esteem they have been looking for has been within them all along. It will be a real key to a healthy rebirth and a letting go of blame and guilt."-Barbara L. McComb, Ph.D., Senior Director, Motivation and Human Development, Mid-Continent Regional Educational Laboratory"What a wonderful analogy of personal healing through metamorphosis. This book provided much needed exercises to develop your wings to freedom and to your self-esteem."-California Assemblyman John Vasconcellos"A delightful book full of helpful exercises to develop your wings of self-esteem."-Joyful Child Magazine"We applaud your courage to help awaken people to their own personal metamorphosis."-Marie Devlin, Friends of Creation Spirituality"This book is like getting a new pair of glasses. I now get up wanting to get the most out of every day."-Carol, Elementary School Teacher

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A wonderful book on self-esteem that is practical, uplifting and transforming." -- Jerry Jampolsky, M.D., author of Love is Letting go of Fear

"A wonderful book! It contains timeless insights, deep psychological truths presented in a simple yet profound way, and practical exercises you can begin to do today to create the quality of life you desire and deserve. If everyone in America read this book and did the recommended exercises, half of all the pain and suffering we currently experience would disappear." -- Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul

"A wonderful collection of wisdom presented in simple lyrical language. Exactly what our society so desperately needs right now. This beautiful book soars, taking the reader to new heights of potential health. It makes a giant contribution that will help stamp out the alienation and anger in our culture. Should be required reading." -- Dr. Patricia Palmer, therapist and author of Liking Myself; The Mouse, the Monster, and Me; Teen Esteem

"On the Wings of Self-Esteem is an elegant little book that teaches about self-esteem: how it is lost, how to regain it, and how to keep it. Beautifully crafted and a pleasure to read. My clients love it! -- Ani Liggett, Ph.D. Marriage and Family Therapist

"Reflects practical wisdom based on a blending of compassion and experience. Here is a valuable book, indeed. A significant book on an important topic." -- Dan Millman, author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior

"Life is a labor pain. This book will help you be a successful mid-wife to self-creation." -- Bernie Siegel, M.D., author of Love, Medicine, and Miracles

"This is life-giving reading for anyone who wants to be authentic and free in living with integrity, personal power and grace." --Judith Cauley, Superintendent of the Diocese of Colorado Springs CO

"This is one of the main textbooks I use in my sociology class. It gives my students opportunities to look at themselves, gain self-confidence, and approach the world in a more positive way." --Helen Meloy, Ph.D., California State University, Northridge

"Louise Hart takes human potential from complexity to simplicity through a delightful metaphor." --Jim Malanowski, Ph.D., Performance Learning Systems

"Self-esteem issues are often at the root of spiritual blockages. Dr. Hart's creative approach is filled with wisdom and beauty." --Joyce Rupp, author of Praying Our Goodbyes

About the Author

Dr. Louise Hart is a community psychologist who has raised two sons and a daughter. Author of The Winning Family, she was a leading educator in the area of self-esteem development, conducting seminars and workshops for thousands of parents and educators nationwide. Her focus has been the promotion of environments in which children thrive and learn the skills necessary to become healthy, self-directed, and loving adults. She wrote this book for adults who wish to improve the quality of their lives and relationships. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Celestial Arts (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890877319
• ISBN-13: 978-0890877319
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,783,010 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best self esteem book on the market, September 28, 2000

By 

Ginger Leeanne Gray (San Antonio, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Wings of Self Esteem (Paperback)

I am a therapist and have led groups using this book and had clients read this book to accompany our individual therapy. I think I have had at least 35 clients use it. Every single client has loved it! They have found it to be practical and useful to help them overcome poor self-esteem and feel better about themselves when they didn't get this foundation in childhood. It is easy to read, encourages insight, offers specific ways to change. A very useful book. Thanks, Dr. Hart!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Straightforward, helpful and highly recommended, August 25, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: On the Wings of Self Esteem (Paperback)

I certainly didn't think that such a little book would have such a big impact on my thoughts about myself and others, but it did! While much of what Dr. Hart says feels often "common-sensical", and the analogy of the emergence of the butterfly seems simple and cliche, everything she has to say is also very valid. The way in which it was presented was accessible without seeming condescending or too simple. (More "a-ha" moments than "Well, duh" ones.) I took several weeks to read through this book, do (most of) the simple exercises, and really think about what I was reading and how I felt about myself - past and present. I've read a lot of things on self-esteem, and this was the first book which really helped me CHANGE my self-esteem. I think almost anyone would benefit from it, and highly recommend it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It works, February 25, 2009

By 

Kristi Padgett (Greenville,SC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Wings of Self Esteem (Paperback)

As a counselor this books works really well with clients working on self esteem. It's easy to read, makes sense and has good analogies/metaphors. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand it yet it's not boring. The end of each chapter identifies some really good activites to do that further assist the reader with self esteem. It's worth your money.