Do you have a favorite Christmas carroll? When anyone asks me, I choose “Oh Holy Night.†The truth is, I really like one phrase of that song, “…and the soul felt its worth.” Unlike most significant lyrics, it’s only sung once in the beginning of the song, so you have to be ready for it.
To me, those who feel worth have a great advantage in life. Self-worth carries the key to our confidence and self-esteem. Low expectations and apathy grip us without it. My dad used to say, “I feel like a penny waiting for change.” It was a clear indication that he didn’t feel very worthy. He also used to wonder if his children were “college material.”
We all have our talents and skills, faults and shortcomings. Not everyone can run a marathon, paint a masterpiece or act in a play; yet all people have worth. It’s sad to know that we hold ourselves back from what we want to do, apologize for mistakes we make, and sabotage our good intentions—all based on this lie.
This week, we watched “CNN Heroes: Everyday People Changing the World” award show. Actress Diane Lane introduced Amy Wright, who started a coffee shop, Bitty & Beau’s (https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com) It’s a unique coffee shop employing 40 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Most moms guard their child’s self-worth. As a mom of four children— two with disabilities—Amy’s story is compelling. When she learned that many with disabilities never work, she thought NO. The she got the idea for a coffee shop to change this fact. It will be fun to see what she does with the extra $100,000 she will receive by winning the contest.
My own soul jumped through the air during her acceptance speech when she said these words: “Bitty and Beau, I know you are watching and I want you to know that I wouldn’t change you for the world, but I will change the world for you.â€
If, for some reason, you don’t have an “Amy” to change the world for you, don’t “…lay in sin and error pining….†Know that you have a purpose and a mission to make the world a better place. Find it. Follow it.
Maybe that’s why I’m passionate about my “First Steps in Writing Your Story” workshop. Build your self-worth by remembering your successes, tell the story of how you have overcome obstacles, and how you changed the world for yourself. You are worthy. Call me if you’ve forgotten why. I’ll help you change the filter on your thinking.