No.Nonsense.

Regular readers know my subjects range to whatever is on my mind at the moment I’m writing. So often, I write about my opinions of current events, politics, or pop culture. Sometimes, I write about something I’ve heard that resonated with me. And then sometimes I just write about what I’m feeling.

That’s where I am today.

I’ve struggled for several days with remembering my own worth. I’ve had to decide if a step I wish to make is worth accepting less for myself. The opportunity is a good one, but the compensation could potentially be a step back.

I’ve had to decide if it’s worth the sacrifice.

It is easy in the moment to let the sleepless nights get to you as you play over and over in your mind every scenario that has tried to defeat you. You play the what-if game with all the options, to ultimately not find a solution to the question of what to do.

I’ve always struggled to believe in myself. I’ve had success at times only to find my steps sliding backwards in life. I’ve had resources and I’ve lost them all and then had to claw my way back to security. I’ve fallen in love only to be betrayed. I’ve had that perfect job and then been thrown under the bus to cover another’s failures. I’ve felt great and then, without warning, been unable to get out of bed.

I suffer the residual doubts of every single ones of these defeats and they often overshadow the victories.

But each time, I have fought my way through. I have rebuilt my life. I have reclaimed my health. I have found peace in my singleness and made a way for myself. I have landed in a strong professional position. I have survived and thrived.

Each one of those steps back up the mountain has cost me. And each one of those wins has restored my confidence. I’m not willing to take one more step back.

I’m worth more than that. I’m at a stage in my life where I shouldn’t have to keep fighting for the advantage.

My opportunity is still there but I made it clear that it’s tied to valuing my contribution. I advocated what is best for me. I stood up and said I’m good at what I do and I’m not ashamed to say so. I gave myself permission to be strong and to speak up for what is best for me.

Don’t let anyone else define your worth. Don’t accept less than what you deserve. You can’t always control your circumstances but you can decide if your circumstances will control you. It’s not self-centered to say, “I deserve more.”