When we think of value, we think of things that are precious to us, things that bring us pleasure, comfort, and joy. Cars, books, clothes, electronics come to mind. These are our “things”. We love them, collect them, and replace them with new “things”. But “things” don’t mean much if they aren’t valued. They just become more “things”.

When we are bullied we are devalued. We feel hurt, violated, and insignificant. Our whole way of thinking is messed up. What was once right is now wrong because of what others have said about us. We take our self esteem from their opinions.

How can we value others when we can’t value ourselves? We need to learn to love ourselves through all our perceived faults and imperfections. No, you aren’t perfect…no one is, yet before someone else can find us valuable, we have to find value in ourselves.

I am too fat, too skinny, have acne. short. gangly, awkward, stupid, ugly…you know the words. We are our harshest critic. He/she keeps yammering inside our head reminding us of our faults, confirming our deepest fears, and reminding us why we will never be of value to anyone.

Shut that voice off now! Sit down and be still. Think about nothing but your good qualities, the fact your a good person, you have a great sense of humor, are smart, empathetic, and care about others. Your value doesn’t come from the outside; it comes from inside you, your soul, your very being. It’s who you are. get rid of the negative self talk, and listen to the voice. It’s your real self, the one saying how valuable you are to the world. It’s your true voice.