Mirror Mirror on the wall……

Self value,  It is an ability that is coveted by some, sought out by others, and wished for by the rest.  When others describe their self value it is often deeply entrenched in their own vision of how they appear and what they are missing.  Frequently those that wish for self value or are in search of it, never even realize that it resides within them, disguised as something else, or hidden intentionally. 

For many, their self value frequently extends from their visual appearance and exterior view and how this is measured through another’s perspective.  Our body is a vessel to allow for our spirit to offer the best value of our true self to the people we come in contact with.  I hear frequently from clients that they are dissatisfied with their bodies and outward appearance.  They often compare themselves to a picture on Instagram or Facebook.  Stating all of their perceived negative features and comparing themselves to their unrealistic visions they see on social media.  I then ask further, “Tell me about that person and what it is that you value so much about them”.  I hear answers about the other person’s vessel… frequently the client will say, “Well they look like attractive… they look like nice people… they look kind… they look…….”  When I repeat the question, I frequently get an answer similar to: “Actually, I don’t know much about them”.  A picture is only a nanosecond or millimeter of truth about the person you are looking at.  Quite often those pictures have been touched up and enhanced to be more pleasing to the eye and in essence, they are FAR from the truth of who that person genuinely is!  Yes, I did just say that!  😉  It is the TRUTH!  As a photographer, I know what it means to edit a photo, to make it more alluring.  Does it mean that what I saw in the captured moment is not accurately depicted in the picture?  Maybe so and then not so much and then again, perhaps that is what photography these days?

I digress….  These images on social media tell us really NOTHING about who this person is, but rather, who they want you to believe they are.  It doesn’t really show the day-to-day internal struggles that these people endure.  Why they feel it necessary to post selfie after selfie, day in and day out and yet, these are people whose self value is sadly lacking.  They rely on others to bring them up and to tell them that they are liked.  The sad part, is that what SHOULD be truly valued, is what is never seen.  The times that person gave to another or listened intently to their story.  The times they lent a hand to help.  The time they cried and found courage and strength to continue.  Moments that a picture could never capture completely…Value, immeasurable at least…. If only they could see what the rest of us see, how they would realize the outside is nothing but one of life’s greatest distractions!!!!

What do you have to offer those around you?  What value do you bring to their lives?  What stories have made you who you are?  What does it mean to be authentic and genuine?  Just like every car has a blemish or two, a line or a curve, or a style or shape, so do our vessels.  Their ONLY purpose is to carry the ultimate in awesomeness down this journey of life.  To be able to give ourselves through our presence, through activity we honor its existence and through spirit we see what it is made of, to love through our hugs, kisses and touch, to be able to empathize with our eyes, and hold a hand in difficult times,  that is where the beauty and value lie… in moments our spirit initiates and our body communicates… we are valued without a picture taken or word spoken… valued by ourselves because only we know what contribution we have made to others…. Self value, it is quiet, truthful, authentic and humble.