Last updated on October 9th, 2024 at 04:21 pm
When I was invited to speak at the Mothers Are More Precious Than Diamonds and Pearls event organized by Fabulosity Events in Cape Town, South Africa, I felt honored. The event was held at a stunning guest house in Panorama. The event planner saw me speak at a previous gathering and wanted me to share my story with the women attending this exclusive gathering.
In the weeks leading up to the event, the word value kept surfacing in my thoughts. I felt called to speak on valuing ourselves as someone who hasn’t always valued myself. In the past, I’ve struggled with postnatal depression and allowed others to impact my self-worth, which led to serious health consequences.
This would be the first time I felt ready to share my story.
My speech focused on why women must value themselves. As I shared my personal experience with the audience, I realized how often I had failed to recognize my worth. Right there, in the middle of my talk, I had an epiphany: this journey of empowering women is about my growth as much as theirs. Each speaking engagement pulls me deeper into a journey of self-discovery and connection with my authentic self.
Pursuing your big dreams and valuing yourself go hand in hand. When you follow your heart, you give yourself permission to be the person you’re meant to be. And that takes courage. Big dreamers are not only valuable but also brave. Every challenge you face strengthens your resilience and adds to your value.
At the end of the talk, I was greeted with warm applause and many heartfelt thanks. But what stood out most was a woman who approached me afterward. She explained how her husband had been emotionally abusive for years and how she had never found the courage to demand the respect she deserved. After listening to my talk, she finally realized her worth and decided she would no longer tolerate his mistreatment. When she took my hand and said, “Thank you for making me see I am valuable,” I felt chills. Her transformation was the most powerful takeaway from that day.
15 Tips for Valuing Yourself More
1. You are an invaluable asset to those around you.
Believe that you are a cornerstone in the lives of your family and loved ones. Your presence holds immense value.
2. You are beautiful just the way you are.
You were created as a masterpiece—embrace your beauty, inside and out, without comparison or doubt.
3. Let go of things that harm you.
Not everything is worth fighting for. Prioritize your heart’s well-being and walk away from what hurts you.
4. Someone sees you as priceless.
Even if you don’t always see your value, know that you are irreplaceable to someone else. Replace negative self-talk with affirmations of your worth.
5. Embrace your imperfections.
Perfection isn’t real. Mistakes and past regrets don’t define you; they are stepping stones toward growth. Move forward and embrace your journey.
6. Invest time in yourself.
Stop wasting energy on those who drain you. Instead, spend that time on self-care and nurturing your well-being. Treat yourself—you deserve it.
7. Don’t fear change.
Life’s challenges are given to you because you’re strong enough to handle them. Embrace change and remember, “This too shall pass.” Face your fear and do it anyway.
8. You are enough.
Always remember that you are enough, just as you are. Work to let go of past pain and step into a future filled with possibility. Seek out counseling if you are stuck in the past.
9. Celebrate your small wins.
Every step forward is worth celebrating, no matter how small. These wins add up, building your confidence and reminding you of your strength.
10. Surround yourself with positivity.
The people in your life impact how you feel about yourself. Choose to be around those who lift you up and encourage you to be your best self.
11. Prioritize self-care.
Taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being is a way of showing love to yourself. Regular self-care refuels your energy and helps you show up fully in life.
12. Set healthy boundaries.
Saying “no” when you need to is one of the most powerful ways to honor your worth. Protect your time and energy by setting clear boundaries.
13. Live with purpose.
Stay true to your values and your goals. When you live purposefully, you honor your worth and personal truth.
14. Acknowledge your growth.
Take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come. Every struggle, triumph, and challenge has helped shape who you are today.
15. Give yourself grace.
You won’t always get it right, and that’s okay. Be kind to yourself, especially in moments of self-doubt. Offering yourself grace is key to cultivating self-compassion.
A Confident Woman
There’s something undeniably powerful about a woman who knows her worth. She embraces herself, even when the world tells her otherwise. Her strength isn’t just in her outer beauty but in her resilience, her mind, and her soul. A confident woman can stop anyone in their tracks with her presence.
My wish for you today is to develop the daily habit of valuing who you are. You are more precious than diamonds and pearls. Believe it, not because I say it, but because you know it in your heart of hearts.
You deserve love and respect and to know your worth. Start today.
Sue Levy is the founder of the South African Just Pursue It Blog and Inspirational Women Initiative. She’s a motivational writer and media designer, who is obsessed with everything inspirational with a hint of geek. She thrives on teaching women how to be brave and take big chances on themselves. You can find Sue on her Twitter page @Sue_Levy.
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