Inherent self worth
This is a topic I struggle with (or at least whoever this I that I mistakingly identify with on occasion). Sometimes I can see beyond the illusionary self to something profoundly beautiful that creates and connects us all. Other times, I look in the mirror and don’t necessarily love what I see. Perhaps it’s a valuable exercise to take a look at things that might affect our sense of “self” worth but that actually don’t really mean shit. Especially when we consider that our true self is, on some level, perfection itself, and furthermore that it exists only in the present, perfect moment. My friend, you are love. You are loving. You are loved. Here’s a list of things that you are NOT:
Your house
Your car
Your money
Your clothes
Your taste in music
Your job
The same person you were yesterday
The same person you will be tomorrow
Your body
Your thoughts
Your achievements
Your missteps
The worst thing you ever did
The best thing you ever did
Whatever anyone else thinks of you
It’s pretty natural to ponder questions such as Who am I? or Where do I fit in this world? however, we must realize on some level that the more we try to define ourselves the more apparent it becomes that what we really are is beyond definition. What we are is inherently valuable, unique, and precious. In this very moment, we are an expression of a force so great our human minds could never define or grasp. If you happen to be a parent, think about the moments you realize how perfect your child is (as opposed to the moments you’re struggling with shitty diapers and toddler tantrums). See yourself through those same loving eyes. That is who you are, and it doesn’t matter one fucking iota whether anyone else recognizes that, as long as you do. What other people think can’t ever really matter, as long as we do our best and then surrender the results. Besides, what “other people” “think” is just as much of an illusion as what our perceived separate self, “thinks.” The only truly real thing is love. Anything else is impermanent and illusionary. Let it go (if you have kids this is the part where that fucking Frozen song is now stuck in your head).