This morning on our OOTD post we touched a bit about value. To bring everyone up to speed in case you missed out on the post, we were discussing our value. For such a small word, there is so much weight to it. Why on earth would you EVER place it in someone else’s hands?! My advice to all of you today is to know your worth and NEVER give anyone discounts based on their opinions of you.
It has taken me the greater part of my life to realize the importance of this simple truth. Growing up as a middle child, I was constantly striving for perfection to be “noticed”, because I was neither the first or the baby. My siblings were both taller and thinner than me, so naturally, I grew up thinking I was short and fat. (It didn’t help that they taunted me with the fatty, fatty, two by four – you can’t get through the kitchen door – song). This followed me into adulthood and I struggled with self-worth and worried myself sick about other people’s opinions of me. Am I too heavy? Am I too thin? Is this outfit too revealing or what does it “say” about me? Excuse my French, but that is bull! Case in point, if I’m having a really rough day because my epilepsy meds are kicking my butt and I’m just too tired to put on heels and a full face of make up and I opt for my chucks and a some Lulu joggers, I’m not lazy folks! FYI, there is more going on then meets the eye. Unfortunately, we live in a day and age where image is everything, or that is what we are led to believe. Intelligence and good character are merely “extras”.
Then one day, I woke up and realized I didn’t want to feel that way anymore. With that feeling, I sat down and made a list of all the items I handle on a daily basis, and then a list of all of my accomplishments in my life, and from there I moved on to a list of all of the people who depend on me each day, and so on and so on. It was honestly eye-opening to me. As I made these lists, I began to think about all of the tough times I have been through in my life, including loss of loved ones, failed relationships, and illness, that I have gotten through and am still going! I DO HAVE VALUE. I AM OF VALUE. Why in the world did I ever let others make me feel less of myself? I do not wish that feeling on anyone and that is why I am sharing this with you today.
My point to all of this is merely this, YOU HAVE VALUE. Your value is not based on anyone else’s opinions of you. They are not you. They have not walked in your shoes or shared your memories or lived your life. Only you have done those things. You know what you bring to the table each and every day and what you choose to leave in the pantry. I am here to tell you that being intelligent and having a soft heart are beautiful and worth far more than any make up or outfit you can buy anywhere! Never stop learning and never dumb yourself down for anyone. The same can be said for your heart, Never dull your shine because someone tells you that you are too bright for them. If anyone ever makes you feel like less of who you know you are, the problem lies with them and not with you. Anyone that truly values you will never make you feel less than who you are or negative about yourself. Yes, I know, that you will deal with some of these negative behaviors in your school, in your work, and even in your home, but the key is knowing that they are the problem and not you. Be proud of who you are, own it!
xoxo- SheShe
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