Wings to fly 

What makes a rock valuable? Would you go out of your way just to check one out? Probably not! And how about an old picture—does it mean anything to you? Our sense of value is pretty interesting and complex. We tend to categorize things to figure out how important they are. For instance, a Picasso painting is truly priceless, while an old framed picture at a junkyard might seem like just trash. But isn’t it funny how a child’s drawing can hold just as much meaning for someone as a beautiful Monet? In the end, value is all subjective and shaped by our unique experiences and perspectives!

I recently started listening to an audiobook called Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life.

We need two wings to fly—both qualities to soar and they are best if they are in balance. 

Summary of Worthy 

What is the difference between the two?

How do we build them?

Worth

Worth is the basic underlying feeling of belonging and being valued. I am loved as I am. There’s nothing I need to change to be accepted. This living person who stands, sits, and moves daily can be completely different than any other person, but she is valued as she is. When you have grasped your worth, there is no longing for anything or anyone to complete you. Knowing what you like and don’t care for becomes easier. You can set boundaries instead of walls. You relax. 

Some may find this unrealistic, but it is attainable. The next step is how. 

Building and improving self-worth:

• Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during challenging times.
• Challenge negative thoughts: Recognize and confront negative thoughts and replace them with positive and supportive self-talk.
• Engage in meaningful activities: Participate in activities that align with your values and bring you joy and a sense of purpose.
• Use affirmations: Practice positive and realistic statements to strengthen self-confidence and motivate personal objectives.
• Find the good in yourself: Focus on your strengths and accomplishments, no matter how small.
• Seek professional help: Therapy and counseling can provide support and guidance to address underlying issues and build a stronger sense of self-worth. 

In summary, self-worth is recognizing your inherent value as a human being, independent of external influences. It’s a deep-seated belief that you are worthy of love, respect, and happiness simply because you exist. 

Also, meditation helps. You learn a lot by being mindful.

Confidence

Self-confidence is the other part, the other wing. Have you met someone who has been on the job for 10 years and can do everything in the office? Or the person who walks to a microphone and speaks to an audience as if they were speaking to a single person? Confidence is like a tool you put in your hand. At first, it feels foreign. Use it daily for a month, and it’s an extension of your hand. Confidence is a thing you build. 

Confidence Building. How to gain self-confidence

Be kind to yourself

1. Get to know yourself. For example, what makes you happy and what you value in life. … 
2. Try to challenge unkind thoughts about yourself. … 
3. Say positive things to yourself. … 
4. Practise saying no. … 
5. Try to avoid comparing yourself to others. … 
6. Do something nice for yourself.

And

Do things alone. Go see a movie you want to see. Buy some ice cream. Get some flowers for yourself. Treating yourself how you want others to treat you is the best thing you can do.

Remember, you are valued because you are alive.

Namaste.