Lesson Learned - VALUE

 

Several years ago, I was on a literary panel at a convention with a big name Steampunk author. I felt myself trembling a little as I approached my chair to his right. He looked at me with a somewhat sarcastic look and told me that he didn't bite. I still felt nervous though, mostly because I knew him to be such a big name and that I was a peon. Years later (now), I looked up his work and thought - this man was not a god. He was and still is an author. And guess what . . . so am I. I used to place so much value on certain people I knew of and befriended because I thought so little of myself. I thought that I would never be a famous photographer, a violinist, or a writer. Well. . . . here I am - Certified Tea Specialist, published author of over 15 books, and owner of a tea company. A violin student once more and an attendee of a death cafe. And many other hobbies and fascinations. And yes, I am worthy to enjoy all of those things in my life. Just like everyone else. My life has value just like everyone else's. I see posts on social media of people who think so little of themselves because they are not millionaires, aren't drop-dead gorgeous, or are a mover and a shaker. I wonder if someone in their past told them just how little they were, or perhaps a person who claimed to love them also abused them with words and emotions. And so, they carried those negative feelings on their sleeve as they screamed to the world - see how little I matter?! What if we, instead of listening to the outside world, turned inward and listened to ourselves? Listened to the only voice that truly mattered to us? What would that voice tell us? I know mine tells me - hold your head up high and know your worth. 

Lesson learned.