Self-Worth

Part of our sense of identity is a measure of self-worth. This develops when we’re young from feedback we get from others and our own certainty about self. Often, feedback is an attempt to control our behaviour, not a rating in itself. For example, we’re a natural communicator but are told to keep quiet. If that feedback is directed at us rather than at our behaviour, it’s natural to take it personally. 

While we may learn from this to point the finger at others, our self-worth is really a self-rating. It’s a story. A story we can change. 

I’m not talking about self-aggrandizement. Simply a recognition that we have value and purpose. We’re here for good reason. Sometimes, this can take a little time to recognize as we have unconscious narratives that we identify with. They resist change as certainty feels more secure, even if it’s negative. Yet when we explore our purpose and gifts, we can find evidence to change the narrative.

Let’s explore a few simple questions.

Do I exist?
If you exist, you are worthy of being here. You wouldn’t be otherwise. [Neoadvaitin and other philosophical narratives of non-existence are ideas. You couldn’t have those thoughts without being. Brahman is prior to existence and is existent both.] 

Am I alive?
Then you have a soul, which is a point of Divine expression. This in itself makes you more than worthy. If you haven’t experienced having a soul yet, note that you are alive. This is a gift in itself. You can thrive because you are alive. 

Further, if you are alive, you are worthy of happiness. This is because life force itself is happiness.

The field of living is designed for experiences. Experiences come and go. It is a field of change. Yet life itself is bliss. Pin your happiness on being rather than on what comes and goes.

If we’re honest with ourselves, curious about life, and authentic to our nature, quiet joy will become our companion.

You are worthy because of who you are. Everything else is a story.
Davidya