BRING YOUR VALUE

Months ago on a drive between work appointments I listened to a podcast as the host asked the members of his panel a thought provoking question, “If you could say one thing to your younger self, what would it be?” Alone in my car I blurted out my answer without thinking.

I’d tell her she has a much better butt than she thinks.

Deep, Kiesha, very deep.

But as miles passed and the panel’s voices fell into the background, my heart settled on a deeper response.

I’d tell her she’s far more valuable than she thinks. And once she realizes that, she’ll bring that value to people instead of looking to others for it.

To people, instead of looking to others for it.

Those who say they would never change a thing they’ve done in their life are a mystery to me - this girl would most certainly take a few ‘do overs.’ And as I reflect back on regrettable decisions of my past, I can see why I would choose such words for my younger self. When I lost my way, I was inevitably looking for my value in someone or something else, instead of realizing it in myself.

You’re far more valuable than you think, I’d tell her.

And when you realize that, you’ll bring your value to people instead of looking to others for it.

Bringing your value to others and looking to others for it can appear remarkably similar on the surface. At first glance both paint a picture of a hard-working woman, one who gives herself to others, the one you can count on to step in and step up when needed.

But at the heart the two are massively different. 

One steps into a room knowing they have something to offer, even if it is simply human vulnerability. The other interacts with the crowd while scanning the eyes and responses of others, constantly questioning, constantly adjusting, constantly bending to perceived reactions. 

We all know which one we’d rather be and we can often feel which one we’re interacting with.

The world waits for powerful, strong women - superwomen of sorts. Not perfect, not all-knowing, just comfortable in their own skin. Such women have a calming presence in a room, a deep confidence that is palpable without acknowledgement. They may not always have the right words or the right looks or the right norms, but they have found value inside, and that value is stunning.

We are each stunning in our value. We each are unmatched in our worth. We each carry limitless significance. And when we realize that, when we foster it, and when we remind ourselves of the girl beautifully crafted in the dirt, we bring that value to people instead of looking to others for it.

And that, my friends, is a powerful woman. A superwoman of sorts. 

Just as you were meant to be.