Know Your Worth: As You Expect of Me Expect of Yourself

You are unique, just like everyone else. I don't remember where this saying originated, but it certainly is a favorite of mine. It always makes me chuckle. We are the same, but different. You are your own person, I am my own. What you are capable of differs from that of others.

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

You may be worthless to one person, but you are priceless to another.

Your time is limited so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.

When someone says, "You've changed" it simply means you stopped living your life their way.

I have always believed I expected a lot of myself until I started really listening to those around me. Sometimes others expectations are unrealistic. It is especially pronounced when you are a mom of young children who believe you are a god and expect (and deserve) your care even when you're sick, feeling down, or seriously lacking sleep. It's not just children who expect much of you no matter what you are going through. Your employer, teacher, spouse, parents, etc. still want top performance no matter the cost to you. How do you respond in these situations?

One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals. And so when I hear about negative and false attacks, I really don't invest any energy in them, because I know who I am.

Michelle Obama

Some are people pleasers and work themselves to the bone trying to meet the demands of others. Others respond in aggressive, passive-aggressive, or ignoring behaviors. No matter the behavior you are prone to, keeping true to yourself will bring the most peace in your life. Trying to live up to others expectations will only bring frustration and failure.

Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you!
Dr. Seuss

The more you love your decisions the less you need others to love them.

So how do you stay true to yourself?

Figure out what you truly want, but be realistic. This requires some soul searching. It will also require blocking out the voices of those who try to control you or tell you what you want. Remember to be realistic. If you think you want to be a concert pianist but you are an adult who has never played before, you might want to adjust that goal. There is nothing wrong with having a hobby you love. You can start piano lessons and play for your enjoyment. Unfortunately some passions don't turn into careers, but that is no reason to give up what you love. Everyone needs to have something they are passionate about doing. Your hobby can also bring in a nice side income. Every little bit helps.

Figuring out what you want does not just apply with careers or hobbies but with relationships, lifestyles, and so on. Search your soul for what you want for your life.

At the end of the day all we have is who we are.

Sometimes you need to step outside, get some air, and remind yourself of who you are and who you want to be.

Set realistic goals. Most goals are not instantly achievable (unfortunately!). Make a plan and set milestones. Take one day at a time knowing there are sometimes bumps in the road. Don't let the bumpy path destroy or discourage you from reaching your goals. Remember who you are and what you want.

Remember where you came from. Maintaining respect for your roots is essential to knowing who you are and where your values were born.

Know your worth. Others are quick to judge, criticize, or condemn you for choices you make. You know yourself and have to live with your choices. My favorite Billy Joel line comes from the song My Life:
"They will tell you, you can't sleep alone in a strange place.
Then they'll tell you, you can't sleep with somebody else.
Ah, but sooner or later you sleep in your own space.
Either way it's okay to wake up with yourself."
Wonderful way of saying be true to yourself.

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

Dr. Suess

Stand up for yourself. You are your best advocate. You can’t expect to change people. Either they accept who you are, or you start living your life without them. Just because something ends, doesn’t mean it never should have been. You lived, you learned, you grew, and you moved on.

“I'd rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I'm not”
Kurt Cobain

Never give up. This is your life; shape it, or someone else will. Strength is shown not only in the ability to hold on, but in the ability to start over when you must. Keep learning, adapting, and growing. You may not be there yet, but you are closer than you were yesterday.