Self-worth

Definition: “Belief in self. Confidence in personal value and worth as an individual person”

 

“Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible.” ~Claude Bissell

 

I have been waiting around most of my life hoping that someone would grant me the opportunity to speak up and be heard. Until I realised that no one was going to “grant” me anything, if I wanted to be heard I would have to make my own opportunities.

I think that is why it took me so long to actually publish my blog, even thought I had written posts, I was not ready to share it with anyone. It all comes down to a healthy amount of self-confidence, believing in yourself and facing your fear of failure.

 

I am certain that even the most successful people have had moments of doubt, some time in their lives. It is all about overcoming the doubt and stepping outside of your comfort zone.

So why we are still faced with this issue in a world besieged with every form of self-help therapy known to man?  There are so many people out there trying to teach us how to cope with failure and rejection: life coaches, motivational speakers etc. Yet we still find more and more people suffering in silence. Is it possible that we are too afraid to face our fears and admitting to a lack of confidence, would feel like failure in itself.

I believe that we are born with a sense of self – worth and as we grow, outside influences shape and mould this sense of self-worth. Where do we obtain our sense of worth from and how do these external influences affect us? Our parents play a very instrumental part in shaping our self-worth. Friends, teachers, media all play a part in how we perceive and value ourselves.

As parents we have the greatest opportunity to instil self- worth in our children by teaching them self-respect and confidence in their own abilities. I think it is vital that we do not allow the ‘world’ to dictate where our children draw their self-image from, and to not allow our children to fashion their behaviour on the likes of teenage celebrities. This is a very dangerous practice which in my opinion unravels all the principles and beliefs we impart to our children. Simply showing our children that they are loved and accepted will go a long way to shaping a healthy sense of self.

 

We need to believe that we were all made for a purpose and that we need to love and accept ourselves before anyone else can.  This verse from the Bible says more than I can ever try and express:“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.Psalm 139 verse 14. We are “fearfully and wonderfully” created, this is our reality and no matter what life hands us, we are unique and amazing. Our contribution to the world no matter how big or small is significant.

 

What all this has made me realise, is that it is important, that I live life for me and not for others.

 

My husband – “the poet” wrote this wonderful poem which I would like to share with you:

To Live – by Grant Rossiter

If this day you can hope and pray

If this day you can find your way

If this day come what may

You can give life you’re very best shot

Then I know someday, you’ll look back and say

‘What a journey, I’ve accomplished a lot’

 

Along the way you might find you stray

Along the way working night and day

Along the way ‘How?’ you might say

If you can keep on no matter your lot

Then I know one day, you’ll look up and say

‘Thank you for all that I’ve got’

 

“The promises of this world are, for the most part, vain phantoms; and to confide in one’s self, and become something of worth and value is the best and safest course.”  ~Michelangelo