Believe In Yourself

"If you really do put a small value upon yourself, rest assured that the world will not raise your price." I found this anonymous quote this morning, and it really struck a chord. So many times we go through life hunched over, not wanting to look the world in the eye. We want to shrink away from attention, just go about our business and be invisible. Does this sound like you?

It's difficult to stand up and face life head-on. For some people, it's almost impossible. Our sense of self-value can be lower than the value of the dollar. Do you feel that way? When you look at yourself, do you see someone that is worth something, or do you see someone that would make even George Bailey feel better about himself?

We need to stop thinking this way. Everyone has worth. Another phrase I've heard is "You may be nothing to everybody, but to somebody, you're everything." Even if you don't realize it, someone is watching you and learning from you. You are the world to someone.

A great example of this is Susan Boyle. Looking nothing like the typical contestant, this plain looking woman signed up for Britain's Got Talent. She walked out on stage, and the initial reaction from the judges and audience was scorn. How could this plain woman even THINK she has talent? Susan was nervous. Facing an audience of scowling faces, who wouldn't be? Yet this woman had the courage, the self-confidence to open her mouth and sing. Sing she did, indeed! Susan Boyle is now an international sensation simply because she believed in herself enough to face the world (quite literally!) and show what she has.

Isn't it time for you to take another look in the mirror and decide what it is you have to offer? Even if you personally don't see anything to be proud of, consider this: You are unique. You are the only person exactly like you. Even identical twins have SOME differences. You need to be proud of the fact that you are YOU. Be yourself. Ted Geisel said it best: "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

Susan Boyle did it. How can we do any less?