I couldn’t tell you what I am worth. My value is not something that I have ever tried to measure. If it was based off of the luck of people you have known in your life, then my worth is priceless.
I got a card the other day from a challenge player I worked with during the OBM. It was full of heartfelt sentiments, humor, and a lot of glitter. In fact, I think there may still be glitter embedded in my skin. The card was simple. They thanked me for what I have done.
That day I was questioning my path a little. Not my job so much, I love my job. I was questioning my approach. It isn’t easy being the person who so often runs against the crowd. It isn’t easy knowing you have burned bridges, not based on your work, or your personality. That you burned those bridged based on the research and being able to say the word “depends.” The behind the scenes of this game can be a tough one, and one that sometimes I ask the question “is it worth it?”
Then I get a card like this in the mail, and I realize yes, yes it is. So what if this isn’t an easy path? Easy paths are boring and lead to mediocrity. Rough paths could lead to a disaster, but at least you braved the journey and took a chance on fate. I have to take that chance, I was born for it. Were you?
It is time for you to take a measure of your worth.
- How many choices do you make in a day that better yourself?
- How often in a day are you working towards your greater good?
- Are you just drifting along in a sea of mundane?
- Are you letting the lack of the “right moment” halt any moments?
- How are you grading your worth?
I am not so overly simplistic as to say that you can just snap your fingers and life will change. On the contrary, it takes planning. It takes years of effort, frustration, patience, and hope. It takes moments over and over again of saying to yourself that you aren’t crazy, that you do matter, and that you can make this life great.
The measure of your worth is not what you have.
The measure of your worth is what your life asks of you everyday, and what you give it in return.
What are you worth today?
Oh, I wish that I was close by so that I could give you a hug and make you realize just how much you’re worth, my friend. No matter what crap has gone on behind the scenes, know that you make a difference in the lives of all of the people who have listened to you and realized that it is indeed within their power to change their lives and reach their goals. Not only do you speak the truth, but you are unwavering in your support and encouragement. What’s more than that?
I love your post because it’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. Though I feel that I am worthy of much, I don’t always treat myself that way. It’s a conversation that we were having in the mom’s group at my church recently, too. So I guess my point is that, even if we recognize our worth as a person, there’s a constant struggle to remember to treat ourselves (and demand that others treat us this way as well) as if we are worth what we’re worth. I’m not talking about having a big head and an overinflated ego–there’s plenty of that in the world already. I’m talking about confidence and the belief that we are capable of great things if we can just get out of our own way. WE are often the biggest obstacles in achieving the dreams and goals that we have set for ourselves.
Wow! I really needed that today.
Thanks Leigh, you are right, what you do IS worth it. It is easy for us to forget or not be aware of all the crap you go through on a daily basis. Thanks for going thru fire for us! You always stand firm in what you know is right and for that, we are forever grateful!
Just GREAT.
xo
So true Leigh…
When a person goes against the grain, they inevitably face resistance. It does not matter if they are going against the grain with their eating, exercise, work, lifestyle, or attitude. Whatever, the situation it is always easier to follow the masses. But, does following the masses really satisfy you as a person, if it does..Great. If not, then you have a challenging and rewarding road ahead.
I can relate to exactly what Leigh is saying, having totally remodeled my life: food, exercise, work, mindset, and lifestyle, the whole ball of wax. It was tough in the beginning, family and friends did not understand and did not always support me. But, as I pushed on and kept my focus I learned how to deal with this. Now for me, stepping out of the societal norm is not so scary, I have done it before and each time is gets a little easier. That does not mean that I don’t get scared or nervous at times, because I do. But, by staying true to myself and my vision I know will be better for it in the long run.
Keep up the good work Leigh and stay true to your vision and yourself, I have no doubts that you will.
Ryan
http://www.lifegawker.com
I think that we all have these moments. The trick is to use it for what it is, an opportunity to become better. Better at your work AND as an individual.
We all give, giving in the sense of information, time, energy, etc. Sometimes when we give a lot…(ahem, too much maybe?) we get burnt out and need to regroup and realize that we need to give to ourselves, and take care of ourselves properly in order to be able to give to others.
What am I saying? START TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF WOMAN! It’s easy for us “helpers” to dole out great advice to others, without realizing that we too need to rest and take time for ourselves. I think sometimes that is all that it takes in order to snap back into the game.
You know that Ryan and I have asked ourselves these types of questions, and this is exactly why we are made the decisions we have, in order to follow what we know is right for us, which may seem odd to others…i.e. leaving cushy jobs in the corporate world (aka rat race) in order to create a better life for ourselves long term while helping others also achieve their best life.
So it’s these “defining moments” on our journey that allow us the opportunities to shape and mold our character, and it’s sad that most times, people let them slip through their fingers, and just keep on keepin on.
Great post, I am so glad that you are touching on this too. The more we talk about it, the more people will begin to realize that these “scary” moments are really opportunities for growth in disguise.
Sheila
http://livewell360.com
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
~Harold R. McAlindon
Leigh,
Stop it!!! You are making me examine my life…
If worth is measured by the spirit of giving yourself to others (often complete strangers), you are absolutely PRICELESS. You have made a huge difference in my life and the lives of sooooo many of my friends and family. You will never know how many people that have never seen your webpage, talked to you or even know your name that YOU contributed to them being better people. You are a diffence maker.
I love the *Right Moment* question. it reminds me of another quote (can you tell, I’m a quote freak?)
“Most people are running around their whole lives with their umbilical cords in their hands and they’re looking for some place to plug it back in”.
Living a life of service to others and is AWESOME!
Great post Leigh, thank you for this!
You know, a very good friend of mine has had to face losing her young son to cancer, and I once asked her how she was able to find her way through that tragedy (aside from having a very strong faith). She told me that she hopes that, at the end of her life, she gets to see “the list” of everyone who has been touched in some way by her son, by her life, and by their experiences. She says that she has had conversations with people who didn’t know her, but that somehow there’s been some kind of connection to her son and how he affected them.
I think that we all touch people more than we’ll ever know and sometimes it’s easy to forget that every little interaction that we have with someone could be a pivotal point in that person’s life, even if it was just a random encounter and in our mind nothing to write home about.
Leigh Peele, you are my new favorite blogger. I love reading inspired pieces of work.
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