26 Self-Esteem Poems That Uplift & Encourage You

Dive into a world where words are more than just ink on paper—they’re a compass to your inner universe. This collection is a curated journey, each poem a step towards rediscovering your inherent worth. Studies have long hinted at the power of positive affirmations; now imagine the potent magic of poetry dedicated to boosting self-worth!

Let these verses be your guide, turning moments of doubt into affirmations of strength. Because sometimes, all it takes to see your true value is a poetic nudge in the right direction. Let’s begin.

Self-Esteem Poems for Kids

You can read these poems to your little ones, to help them internalize positive ways of thinking about themselves, and foster a healthy self-esteem.

You’re So Loved

You are special, can’t you see?
Like the tallest, grandest tree.
Even if you’re small or lean,
You’re full of bright self-esteem.

Hands that clap, feet that run,
You’re number one, full of fun.
Big or small, in between,
You’re just right, like a sunbeam.

Hats off high, shoes tied tight,
Your inner spark shines so bright.
Day or night, in your dream,
You glow with strong self-esteem.

So, little one, always know,
Your worth’s high, it’ll always show.
You’re so loved, like a sunbeam’s gleam,
With a heart full of self-esteem.

Meant To Be

In the town of Me-Ville, on Feel-Good Way,
People smiled and laughed, every single day.
Not because they were tall, or had the best toy,
But because inside, they felt genuine joy.

Sally One-Shoe, with one sock, one boot,
Danced on the street, playing a flute.
“It’s not my shoes that make me feel neat,
It’s the happy song in my heart, so sweet!”

Billy Blue-Hat, with a cap so wide,
Wore it with a big, proud stride.
“Not the hat,” he said with a grin,
“But the love for myself that’s deep within!”

So when you’re feeling a little bit down,
Remember Me-Ville and its happy town.
It’s not about what others might see,
It’s about loving yourself, as you’re meant to be!

The Wonder Of Your Self-Esteem

In a world of colors, both big and small,
You’re the brightest star of them all.
With every giggle, every gleam,
Shines the light of your self-esteem.

Tiny toes and button nose,
The way you laugh, the joy that shows.
You’re special, unique, like a dream,
Floating on clouds of self-esteem.

Ducks in ponds might quack and splash,
Monkeys in trees might jump and dash,
But in your heart, let this truth beam:
“You’re amazing!” says your self-esteem.

So when you play, or take a rest,
Always remember you’re simply the best.
With every sunrise’s golden gleam,
Grows the wonder of your self-esteem.

You Shine

Kitty purrs, and birdie sings,
Each with joy that self-love brings.
Bunny hops with happy gleam,
Full of fluffy self-esteem.

Puppy wags, tail so high,
Underneath the big blue sky.
Fish swims, in the stream so clean,
Bubbles up with self-esteem.

Froggy jumps, from lily to lily,
Always jolly, never silly.
Every leap, a joyful theme,
Ripples of strong self-esteem.

Bear so big, or mouse so small,
Each one special, after all.
Every creature, every dream,
Is filled with bright self-esteem.

So, little friend, just like them,
You’re a gem, a true gem.
In the world’s wide, wild scheme,
You shine with pure self-esteem.

The Light That’s In Every Room

In a world so vast, with skies so blue,
There’s a special magic that lives in you.
It’s not in toys, or games we play,
But how you see yourself, every single day.

When you look in the mirror, what do you see?
A hero, a dreamer, as brave as can be?
You might see freckles, or hair running wild,
But always remember, you’re nature’s own child.

Some days might feel like a tumble or fall,
When you think you’re too small, or not strong at all.
But strength isn’t just in muscles or height,
It’s in believing in yourself, with all your might.

You’re more than your mistakes, more than your shoes,
More than the times you win or lose.
Your value’s not in being fast or slow,
But in the love and kindness that you show.

So, whenever you doubt, or shadows loom,
Remember the light that’s in every room.
It’s the glow of your heart, the twinkle in your theme,
The wonderful magic of your self-esteem.

Remember Your Value

In a world where shadows cast doubt and deem,
There shines a light, the glow of self-esteem.
Not born from pride, nor vanity’s dream,
But the silent strength that’s seldom seen.

It whispers, “You’re enough,” when times are tough,
Tells you, “Stand tall,” when roads are rough.
In mirrors of judgment, where critiques can bluff,
Self-esteem responds, “I am enough.”

Not in the perfection that others pursue,
But in the genuine, authentic hue,
Of a heart that’s true, in everything you do,
Embracing flaws, letting the real you shine through.

For in the end, it’s not about the applause,
Or fitting into society’s limiting laws,
But how you see yourself, without a pause,
Loving every inch, without a cause.

So when the world tries to define your worth,
Remember your value, right from birth.
For self-esteem’s treasure, found in one’s own hearth,
Is the truest measure of one’s path on this Earth.

Humorous Self-Esteem Poems

These will hopefully put a smile on your face, help you value yourself—without taking yourself too serious.

I Downloaded Confidence

In the marketplace of life, what’s your rate?
Some weigh in gold, others in first date fate.
I tried to barcode my worth, quite the debate,
But scanners laughed, “Priceless, mate!”

Once sought advice from a wise old cat,
He said, “Nine lives? I’m worth more than that!”
So, I tallied my skills, even the ones not that great,
Turns out I’m a premium, not discount estate.

Checked my self-worth on a psychic site,
Was told I’m “out of stock,” oh, what a plight!
But no need for a clearance, or sell-by date,
I’m a limited edition, ain’t that first-rate?

My reflection once hinted, “A few upgrades, mate?”
So, I downloaded confidence, now I feel great.
Though I might not be everyone’s piece of cake,
I’m my own favorite flavor, make no mistake.

So in this great sale of life, don’t underrate,
You’re not just good, you’re flipping great!
With quirks and puns, you navigate,
Because self-worth, my friend, should never deflate!

The Boring Perfect Selfie

In a world where selfies often reign supreme,
Let’s chat a bit about our self-esteem.
Some days we’re peacocks, with flamboyant gleam,
Other days, mashed potatoes — without the cream!

“Oh, mirror, mirror, on my cluttered wall,
Do I look dapper, or just plain small?”
It answers back, with a chuckle and stall,
“Honey, you’re fabulous, quirks and all!”

When life hands you lemons, make a pie,
No wait, lemonade, or just sigh and ask “Why?”
But remember self-worth isn’t something to buy,
Even if that new outfit does catch your eye.

Your shoes may not always match your shirt,
You might wear socks with holes and dirt.
But laugh it off, flirt with mirth,
Because perfection’s boring, for what it’s worth.

So, toast to the days of hair gone wild,
To socks mismatched, and the inner child.
For self-esteem, mixed with humor, compiled,
Makes life’s journey more than worthwhile!

When Life’s Pants Split At The Seam

In the game of life, where folks often teem,
Chasing after likes and the latest meme,
I tripped on my shoelace, mid-dream,
But still felt cool, thanks to self-esteem!

I once wore socks, not quite a pair,
One had stripes, the other, a bear.
Got funny looks, some tried to demean,
But I just laughed, high on self-esteem.

Had a bad hair day, looked quite the fright,
Birds thought my head was their next flight site!
But with wind-tousled hair, I didn’t scream,
I rocked the look, all ’cause of self-esteem.

At the karaoke, my voice did crack,
Sounded like a duck having a quack attack.
Though off-key notes were my theme,
I took a bow, fueled by self-esteem.

So when life’s pants split at the seam,
Or you spill coffee with extra cream,
Wear that stain, let confidence beam,
Life’s way more fun with a dash of self-esteem!

Your Worth’s Not In Likes

“Impossible! Could it be true?”
That my tweet got just one like, maybe two?
But even in this digital age’s complex network mesh,
I won’t let my self-esteem feel any less fresh.

Saw a frog, on a virtual reality spree,
Jumping around, as virtual as can be.
He didn’t trend, no viral breakthrough,
But croaked, “In my pond, I’m still the best, it’s true!”

Met a young lad, named Tom online,
His profile picture, truly divine.
But filters or not, whatever hue,
He said, “The real me’s still pretty cool, wouldn’t you agree too?”

Scrolling through life, with its ups and downs,
Emoji smiles, and keyboard frowns.
But whether it’s Snapchat, or a TikTok view,
Your worth’s not in likes, but the genuine you.

So, in this age where screens do gleam,
Amidst hashtags, and the digital stream,
Remember to chuckle, and to life stay true,
For real esteem shines brightest in you!

Positive Self-Esteem Poems

These are simple, positive poems on the subject of self-esteem.

With Each Dawn

Bright as the stars in the vast cosmic dance,
Each soul carries its unique radiance.
With every laugh, with every tear,
You’ve grown stronger, year by year.

A mirror reflects but a moment’s face,
Yet within, an infinite space.
Of dreams, love, memories so vast,
A testament to a resilient past.

Life’s mosaic, colorful and wide,
Is shaped by the spirit inside.
No measure, no scale, no fleeting glance,
Can capture your worth, your life’s expanse.

So rise, with joy, soar high and free,
You’re the captain of your destiny.
With each dawn, with the sun’s new chance,
Celebrate the music, join life’s dance.

A Steadfast Team

With every sunrise, a new day’s gleam,
A fresh chance to chase a dream,
Inside each heart, there’s a radiant beam,
The powerful light of self-esteem.

Each step we take, each choice we make,
Shapes the path, the journey we undertake.
Yet deep within, beyond the outer sheen,
Lies the true magic, the self-worth unseen.

Mountains may rise, challenges appear,
Yet with self-belief, there’s nothing to fear.
For in our core, there’s a steadfast team,
Of hope, courage, and high self-esteem.

So when the world seems a bit extreme,
Remember you’re more than what you seem,
With every challenge, let your spirit gleam,
For you’re unstoppable, with self-esteem.

Let Your Spirit Gleam

In the market of life, where comparisons are rife,
Where folks measure your worth, cut with a knife,
Don’t fret about the latest trend or meme,
Your currency’s solid, it’s self-esteem.

Now, some folks strut with noses up high,
Believing they’re the cream of the pie.
But don’t you worry, or to their level lean,
You’ve got that secret sauce — pure self-esteem.

They say, “Dress sharp, walk tall, get lean!”
But the best outfit? Confidence, not seen.
It’s not about the bling or the brand-name seam,
It’s the swagger you’ve got, thanks to self-esteem.

Mirror, mirror, so shiny and clean,
Who’s the fairest, without being mean?
No need for filters or a photo team,
When you’re powered up by self-esteem.

So next time doubts try to intervene,
Remember you’re more than what’s just seen.
With a wink and a nod, let your spirit gleam,
For you’re truly wealthy with your self-esteem.

Self-Esteem Poems For Misfits

Don’t quite fit in, and probably never will? Here are some hard poems for you.

They Say You’re Too Rough, Too Crass, Too Raw

In the dimly lit corners of the smoky old bar,
Where souls come to mend, or accrue another scar,
There’s a tale not of riches, or fast shiny car,
But of self-worth and battles, both near and far.

Life’s dealt its blows, left me ragged and sore,
But in the grit and the grime, I found something more.
In the reflection of whiskey, in the beer-stained floor,
I discovered my worth isn’t folklore.

They’ll say you’re too rough, too crass, too raw,
That fitting the mold is the only law.
But screw their standards, their ever-tightening maw,
Your essence, your spirit, is without flaw.

The world can be cruel, demanding you bend,
To its whims, its judgments, again and again.
But stand tall, my friend, let your spine not rend,
For in your imperfect heart, true value does tend.

Amidst life’s chaos, the filth and the scream,
Find the rebel in you, let that bastard gleam.
For in the grit of existence, past the dark and extreme,
There’s an undeniable force: your undying self-esteem.

The Unbreakable Core Of Dreams

In the alleyways where the shadows cling,
Where hope is a rare and fleeting thing,
I’ve wrestled with demons, felt their sting,
Questioned the worth my soul might bring.

Beneath the weight of society’s glare,
Where judgments are heavy, hard to bear,
I’ve sunk in the mire, gasped for air,
Drowning in pools of deep despair.

The bottle’s been friend, and foe just the same,
A dance with oblivion, life’s cruel game.
Yet, amidst the chaos, one truth became,
Brighter than any fleeting fame.

For in the darkest, most desolate night,
When soul is weary, devoid of light,
There emerges, from deep within, a sight:
A flicker, a flame, burning oh so bright.

And in that spark, however dim it seems,
Lies the unbreakable core of dreams.
In the very heart of life’s extremes,
Resides an undying, eternal self-esteem.

A Faltering Ray

In this dim room where shadows creep,
And the ghosts of old regrets still weep,
A bottle in hand, the climb seems steep,
To the summit of self, where few souls leap.

The world’s applause? It’s but a lie,
A fleeting whisper, a mocking sigh.
What worth’s a man if his soul’s awry,
Lost in the depths, with no clear sky?

They’ll praise your stride when you’re on their stage,
But in the pit of night, alone with rage,
Who hears the cries, the inner cage
Of a man who battles the wars age by age?

Through cracked windows, the moon does peer,
Casting silhouettes of doubt and fear.
What’s a man’s worth when end is near,
If he’s never learned to hold himself dear?

In the murky depths, where demons team,
It’s a treacherous path to ever dream.
Yet, even in darkness, there’s a subtle gleam,
A fading, faltering ray of self-esteem.

Warmed By The Whiskey And Life’s Endless Flow

In this dive where the losers sit,
Drinking away every little bit
Of the life that’s dealt them such ugly hits,
I found a gem, amidst the spits.

Looked in the mirror, what did I see?
An old man staring, mocking me.
With wrinkled skin and a nose not pretty,
Yet with eyes that twinkled, full of gritty.

Society says, “Get a suit, fix that hair!”,
But my reflection winked, “Why the hell should you care?”
For if you judge by the cover, life’s mostly unfair,
Better to laugh at the stains on your underwear.

They say I’m unkempt, my manners are low,
But there’s more to me than this outer show.
In the depths of my soul, there’s a radiant glow,
Warmed by the whiskey and life’s endless flow.

So here’s to the misfits, the ones left out,
Who know self-worth’s not what it’s all about.
Raise your glass, give a shout,
“Forget the haters!” without a doubt.

In the race for esteem, amidst life’s chaotic theme,
Remember, it’s okay to daydream.
For even if the world deems you less than supreme,
Your value’s not measured in society’s esteem.

Deep Self-Esteem Poems With Beautiful Lyrical Language

These poems have a remarkable beautiful language.

None Shine Brighter

In the heart of the world, where shadows creep,
And mortals dream, both shallow and deep,
There lies a flame, both flicker and leap,
The light of self-worth, a treasure to keep.

The stars might gleam with ancient light,
And the moon may charm the darkened night,
But none shine brighter, nor as white,
As a soul that knows its own true might.

For in the twisting gyre of fate,
Where time does bend and often abate,
One’s value is not left to mere date,
But in how they their own self rate.

The world may change, its song renew,
Kingdoms rise and fall, out of the blue,
Yet, steadfast remains the fact so true,
That worth comes from within, not from the view.

So, in this ever-turning sphere,
Where futures are oft unclear,
One thing holds, devoid of fear:
Self-esteem, a compass, ever near.

A Luminous Dream

In the quiet woods where shadows fall,
And the hush of nature envelops all,
There’s a whispered secret, a timeless call,
About the worth we hold, both big and small.

As trees stand firm ‘gainst winter’s might,
Enduring storms and the cold of night,
So too, should we, in life’s challenging sight,
Hold steadfast our value, our inner light.

Two roads in the woods, a choice to make,
Each path a journey, a route to take.
Yet, what matters most, for our own sake,
Is the belief we carry, the spirit we wake.

The murmurs of leaves, the babbling brook,
Each has a lesson, if we but look:
To stand tall, and never be shook,
For our worth is more than what’s in any book.

So as seasons change, and time does deem,
Know that deep within, there’s an unwavering beam,
A torch, a guide, a luminous dream,
The undying flame of self-esteem.

The Heart’s Core

Barefoot on a sunlit path I tread,
Where golden leaves and memories spread.
Each step a dance, each thought a rhyme,
Questioning the worth of one in time.

Trees, not just markers of the past,
But witnesses to shadows we cast.
Each one different, each one the same,
All seeking purpose, a role, a name.

Choices branch out, much like a tree,
Yet it’s the heart’s core that holds the key.
For beneath the doubts, the fears, the scream,
Lies the quiet strength of self-esteem.

With every dawn, life writes anew,
Chapters of courage, tales of breakthrough.
To journey forth, with dreams as theme,
Is to embrace the gift of self-esteem.

Let Your Inner Light Shine

A tree stood amongst the whispering pines,
Telling tales of ages, of ancient signs.
In nature’s voice, through these genuine lines,
Each being has worth, where the universe aligns.

For as the tree, neither boastful nor meek,
Stands tall in its place, its essence unique,
So should one, in the truths they seek,
Find their own value, let their spirit speak.

The stars do not envy the moon’s soft glow,
Nor does the river begrudge the snow.
Within, look for the esteem to bestow,
For self-worth’s a seed, you must nurture and sow.

The vast open skies and the rolling green seam,
Speak not of comparison, but of a dream:
That each soul, with its radiant beam,
Holds within, a self-esteem’s gleam.

So let not the world your spirit confine,
See your worth, let your inner light shine.
For in nature’s own intricate design,
Self-value’s innate, forever divine.

Vast As The Endless Sand

In the vast expanse of this sprawling cosmic sea,
I see the multitudes, I see the singular me.
From the rolling hills to the city’s loud decree,
Echoes the song of self, the hymn of being free.

Oh body, my body! An exquisite expression grand,
Every sinew, every flaw, by nature’s own hand.
Resonant of the Earth, of the air, of the land,
Each person’s worth, vast as the endless sand.

The grass beneath, it grows not in shame,
No blade compares, no two the same.
So too, O soul, should you fan your flame,
In the dance of self-love, with no one to blame.

From the worker in the field, to the poet’s dream,
In every heart, the light of self-esteem should beam.
For we are large, containing multitudes it’d seem,
And in every voice, the chorus: “I am, I deem.”

With every step on this expansive Earthly sod,
Know, O self, you’re a reflection of the God.
In the universe’s vast, sprawling broad,
Sing of yourself, without facade or fraud.

Famous Self-Esteem Poems

Still I Rise by Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
’Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries?

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
’Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own backyard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise

Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise

Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

The Guest House by Rumi

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

Translated by Coleman Barks, reprinted free of charge for educational purposes

What’s your favorite poem? Have one of your own? Let us know in the comments, we love to hear from you.