Sometimes, in twelve-step meetings, we talk about the importance of self-esteem. I had a sponsor some years ago who encouraged me to do estimable acts. I didn’t think that I could do any highly estimable acts, but he was too smart and quick for me. As soon as I blurted out my low opinion of my abilities to do high and heroic stuff, he said, “Well then,” he said, “do some lowly estimable acts.”

The word “estimable” has two meanings: “capable of being estimated” and “worthy of esteem”. I estimate that the second meaning is the richer of the two.

So, I decided to do some estimable acts today. Here is a partial list:

Esteemable Acts

1. Did 12-step report.
2. Recorded audio from  12-step book and sent it out to a few friends.
3. Graded several assignments for my class.
4. Did several Spanish lessons.
5. Printed off a journal article that one of my students is using for his paper. It promises to be worth reading.
6. Fed the dog.
7. Fed myself some good, nutritious food.
8. Walked and ran two miles.
9. Laylah went with me.
10. Played with the toy fox with Laylah.
11. Did stretches and weights.
12. Went to a virtual 12-step. meeting.
13. Replied to a friend’s email report.
14. Read some Scripture.
15. Read a bit of Cohick’s good commentary on Ephesians.
16. Made my bed.
17. Made Sharon’s bed.
18. Cleaned up the dog’s poop.
19. Gave the dog a treat for pooping.
20. Shaved.
21. Mowed the yard.
22. Planted an apple core in the backyard. (I doubt it will prosper, but who knows?)
23. Hosed off the lower deck.
24. Did dishes.
25. Took a shower.
26. Texted with a 12-step friend.
27. Dusted a bit upstairs.
28. Took a call from a friend. (I promised him I would post a blog post today. By golly, here it is!)

Yes, I know: these are very simple mundane things. Fair enough! But perhaps most of the estimable things in the world are simple mundane things. Maybe these simple things are what makes the world a livable place.

What teeny tiny estimable acts are you doing these days? To have healthy self-esteem, there is no substitute for doing estimable acts.

. . . The End (or maybe not!)

After writing the first draft of this, I couldn’t post it immediately because my website was being uncooperative. So, I sent it as an attachment to the good friend whose phone conversation gave me the nudge I needed to write and post. He wrote to thank me and used the word “esteemable” instead of “estimable”. I am not the best speller in the world, so I thought to myself, “Huh! Apparently the word can be spelled either way.”

So, I did what most of us do these days, for better and for worse: I googled the words. At the website https://thecontentauthority.com/blog/esteemable-vs-estimable, I discovered that, at least according to one fellow word nerd, there are two separate words with related but different meanings. Here is what this site says:

“Esteemable is an adjective that describes something or someone who is worthy of respect or admiration. It can also refer to something that is considered valuable or important. For example, a person who consistently demonstrates honesty, integrity, and kindness can be described as esteemable. Similarly, an accomplishment that required significant effort and skill can be considered esteemable.”

. . .

“Estimable is also an adjective that describes something or someone who is deserving of respect or admiration. However, it specifically refers to a quality or characteristic that is worthy of esteem or high regard. For instance, a person who possesses estimable qualities such as intelligence, creativity, and leadership skills is highly regarded and respected by others. Similarly, an action or achievement that demonstrates exceptional skill or talent can be considered estimable.”

So, in light of all this, I would say that my friend used the right word for the deeds I did which are esteemable.

I thought about changing the title and replacing all the estimables, but decided not to do so. Why? The reason is that I suspect that people who have estimable characteristics and character also do esteemable actions. And the converse is also true, I think. People who do esteemable actions are or become estimable. I am trying to become one of those becomers!