What would happen if you were blind and someone gave you a $100.00 bill and told you that it was only one dollar?
To you, the value of the piece of paper in your hand would only be $1.00. You would miss the opportunity to buy your mother that new coat for her birthday because it cost $40.00. You would miss the opportunity to replace your holey shoes because you can’t find any at the dollar store. Matter-of-fact, you might even buy a candy bar at the local convenient store and tell the worker to keep the change. (Which might not be a bad thing as long as you can afford a $99.11 tip.)
The point is….The actual value of the $100.00 bill becomes irrelevant because, to you, it is only one dollar. Our self-worth is not so different. Although we have great worth, we will miss opportunity after opportunity if we set our value low. We may give ourselves away to people who mistreat us, stay in destructive (maybe even dangerous) relationships, abuse our bodies, let the opinions of other people dictate our moods, and hold ourselves to unrealistic standards leading to constant self-criticism.
You see, our true worth is priceless, but that becomes irrelevant when we assign a low value to ourselves. We actually become the person we program ourselves to be.
The good news is that we can change this program anytime!
If you have a low opinion of yourself, it is time to realize that it is just that…your OPINION. If you are surrounded by people who also devalue you, it has nothing to do with your true worth. People are devaluing you, because you have set the value on yourself waaaaaaay too low!
Is it time to assign a new value to you? Remember, unlike the $100.00 bill, you are priceless!
love this. thx, kristen.
I have never liked myself. My Mother always told me to think of myself first was selfish. Got any ideas on me overcoming this?
Selfish behavior is when you put yourself and your needs ahead or above someone else. Knowing that you have just as much value as other people is healthy. Sometimes you need to take care of yourself and be kind to yourself before you can adequately love others. The healthiest and happiest adults effectively parent themselves (treat themselves as they would treat a child- with love, nurturing, encouragement, positive self-discipline, healthy support system, no harsh judgments, exercise, nutrition,..) Basically everything that you would be doing for a child you love, you do for yourself. (That is not selfish) One of the most important things is to stop saying negative things about you to yourself. Also, part of taking care of yourself is practicing gratitude and giving back to society in some way. Those things make you feel good! Look at the past as an opportunity to grow. Focus on doing healthy things right now. And then give yourself a little pat on the back.
I hope this helps. xoxo
I never liked myself much. Mother always said to think of yourself first was being selfish.
Selfish? Not selfish? It comes down to boundaries. Consistently putting yourself above others may be considered selfish, but always putting everyone else above you is selfless. Neither are healthy. It comes down to boundaries and knowing when to agree and knowing when to say no. I can’t wait for you to read my book coming out next month. I talk a lot about learning how to value yourself, value others, and appreciate the rough spots in life.
And you’re priceless too, Kristin. Merry Christmas.
Ahhh Thank you!! Merry Christmas to you too, Anneli.
A wonderful inspiring message Kristin! Happy Holidays!
Thank you, Wendell. Happy Holidays to you too!!!
Priceless post Kristin. Valuing ourselves is most important factor to rise personally as well as professionally but value should never affect your attitude like valuing ourselves a lot and devaluing others. If you value others too then they will raise your price value too which builds relationships as well as rise in our values. Thanks a lot Kristin once again for this wonderful post. Loved it. Happy xmas and New year to you and your lovely family. 🙂
Great words of wisdom. Thank you! Also, thank you so much for your kind words. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
This is great Kristin and a wonderful reminder! Having a low opinion of oneself is never going to lead to good things. It’s so important to remember that we are created beautifully and that we all have something good to offer this world. I really appreciate this post, thank you!
Thank you, Brian. Merry Christmas!
Good to remember this!
Great to hear from you! Happy Holidays!