Surround yourself with the right people, and realize your own worth. Honestly, there are enough bad people out there in the world – you don’t need to be your own worst enemy. ~ Lucy Hale

It’s been one year. That’s right. One year since I started blogging. I am so excited, so thrilled, for this God-given opportunity. An opportunity to share in this platform, to encourage, to challenge and create awareness on some issues that are very dear to my heart. It has been a delightful experience. And, of course, I wouldn’t have done it without you, my Reader. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you for taking time to stop by, hear from and share with me. May God bless you.

Now, I have really enjoyed growing older. I am more aware of what defines me, of who I am. The masks fall off as I have no time to live a life that is not mine. My time gets dedicated to what matters to me mostly. Well, that should be the case, but it’s not regrettable in some instances. What matters to me? God. Family. Work. Friendships. Impact. I don’t want to be mistaken about my priorities.

So what matters to you? Is there anything stopping you from focusing on your priorities? Could it be that you are struggling being true to yourself? What could these distractions to your cause, mission and purpose be?

Recently, I met up with my financial advisor concerning a particular investment that I was interested in. I needed to fill out some forms. One of them required me to estimate my net worth. That is, estimate my assets and calculate my liabilities. The difference is what is termed as the net worth. They say numbers don’t lie, and it was interesting to see what my estimated net worth was.

I had mixed feelings about this. How much more would my net worth be had I done certain things in my life, at particular points earlier, that would have pushed me forward in my career and investments?

What is your worth?

Take a look at our society. It defines us based on our achievements, careers, money, bodies, relationships, children, talents, et al. Personally, I have judged myself sometimes too harshly, based on these societal measures. And here’s the thing, it can be quite painful or even blinding at the same time.

What exactly is your worth?

What do you base it on? Your material possessions? Financial status? Job titles? Where you live? Could it be your family background? Perhaps it’s your level of education or even that car that you drive. Or is it be based on other people’s opinions? Race? Nationality? Relationship status? Talents? Social media likes?

Take a look at me. Sometimes I get too concerned about the likes and views of my blogposts, without realizing the impact my content can have even on one person. Then it hits me when I hear the stories from people who have read my posts. It leaves me encouraged. You just need that one person to be influenced by your work.

The truth is, when we peg our worth to these things, we are left empty and we can get depressed and be left with no joy at all in our mortal beings.

But wait.

There is One in whom we can find our worth in. He who created us. God formed us in His image! How powerful is that? He made us like Him! Our identity, therefore, is only found in Him. And the truth is, He also gives us all we need, not want, in life.

So, one, check your motive for wanting to achieve success. “Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless–like chasing the wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:4.

Two, be careful about your expectations of yourself. Pressure comes from biological clocks ticking or worldly standards. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6.

Lastly, instead of living in fear of being left behind, or hating life because things are not working as you had anticipated, please do not let that fear or hate rule your life. “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10.

How deep the Father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measures
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
Hymn by Selah

If you find yourself constantly trying to prove your worth to someone, you have already forgotten your value.