I have always been a driven person, placing a lot of expectations on myself. Each day, I make a list of things I want to achieve - whether at work, or for my own personal development. 

I use to believe I was unsuccessful unless I was able to cross all the items off my list. 

I placed my value in productivity. 

When I first learned the concept that my value that is not based on my behavior or performance, it was hard for me to fathom. I couldn’t believe that my personal value isn’t earned and isn’t contingent on my performance or productivity. 

I am valuable just as I am. 

It wasn’t until I became an Aunt that this concept really clicked. This precious baby arrived on the scene and she didn’t do anything to earn my love. I just automatically fell deeply in love with her! She was helpless by herself, needing love and care to eat, sleep and poop. But she was the most valuable life in front of me!  

I found that my own critical judgment of myself would then fall into being critical of others. I’ve really been thinking a lot lately about what people choose to do with their time. Being kinder to myself has lent me to be kinder to others. To see value in everyone, even if it’s the guy at Starbucks playing video games at noon on a Wednesday. 

Think of who you are without even taking your career into account. What do you think of yourself? What do you believe about yourself with just the basis of who you are?

I am so many other amazing, valuable things outside of the way I earn money. I am a creative and intellectual thinker. I’m an artist. I’m a dancer. I have a knack for cooking and baking. 

I am a valuable daughter, sister, sister-in-law, granddaughter, niece, Aunt and friend. 

You are valuable just as your are!

C/MEO Collective: Polarized Short Sleeve Dress Mustard Painted Spot. Similar dress options from REVOLVE and Red Dress Boutique. BCBGeneration: Beverly Mules, similar here.