“Until you value yourself, you will not value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.”
M. Scott Peck
Valuing yourself – ugh. I feel like there are mostly two types of people, those who think too much of themselves and those who think too little. But I wonder if those who think too much, actually, are faking to hide that they think too little.
I am unfortunately in the camp of someone who thinks too little of myself. I can’t see my accomplishments. I don’t value my creativity, or…well, that’s really all I can think of that I have – though I’m sure there is probably more.
I hate this! I hate this about myself and I hate seeing it other people. It breaks my heart for people – for me to see so much in them and them to not value themselves, for them to struggle with insecurity and a lack of self-worth. And yet, I struggle with the same. I think that’s why it is one of my biggest hearts desires, to help people feel valued and seen and loved. I want to give them what I wish I could give to myself.
I recently had a conversation with someone, who like me, doesn’t want to live a mediocre life. They confessed that their biggest fear was to be ‘normal’. They want to make a difference,, make a mark on this world. They also, like me, struggle to see their uniqueness, their giftings. My friend told me how he can’t see how he is special. We talked and I pointed out some blaringly obvious things that make him stand out and make him extraordinary. He paused and had no choice but to agree, but I could tell it was head knowledge, agreeing with the facts, but his heart hadn’t gotten there – deep down, he still couldn’t accept it.
Why is this? Why can’t we see ourselves the way others do? Why do we struggle to see the good in us? The giftings God has bestowed on us? I do not want to be an arrogant jerk, but is it possible to see, believe and admit that you are talented, that you have value and worth, without being prideful? I think so. I’ve met people that walk in confidence – confidence in who they are, in their giftings and they are still humble. I want that. I want to be able to say, without diverting my eyes, I am … I can’t even decide what to say there. ‘A nice person’. I am that. I know I am. But is that all?
Today, let’s challenge ourselves to make a list of what makes us special. Let’s look for our value. Make the list. Go to the mirror. Look into your eyes and tell yourself, exactly how valuable you are, how unique and gifted and amazing you are. And then let’s do it again tomorrow and the next day. Let’s teach ourselves our value, our worth and go out and seize the time God has given us and let’s make our marks on the world. We got this!