Self Esteem 101

Unfortunately, this comic isn't exactly true, but I do think it's a great goal to shoot for. Today is the first day I've been back in therapy since my counselor tried to break up with me earlier this month. It was a really good session. We discovered that my core issue is (drum roll, please)...lack of self esteem. Surprise! Is anyone surprised? Not me. We discussed how kids used to taunt me on the playground when I was in third and fourth grade (lovely names like "Kristen Pisten big fat Kristen" and "Big Fat Tub-a-lard") and how these names have pretty much plagued me since then. She said I hold them too way close (even to this day) and to counteract this negativity, I need to yell back at these mean kids and start speaking positive self-talk to myself. Um, OK. It can't hurt, right? Perhaps I should be like Stuart Smalley on SNL and start each day by telling myself, "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me." Any other suggestions? Just exactly how does one start being positive after 36 years of negativity? I'm at a bit of loss on how to start.