I recently read a quote by Malcolm X which runs as follows:
"The future belongs to those who prepare for it today"
But we may reasonably respond by saying that we do not have much certainty at all about what is to happen, especially in the current situation. Days arise and conclude, alongside truly monumental changes to decisions in governments all over the world. Thus, one way to adequately prepare is to understand the importance of being adaptable yet resilient.
The subject of this blog will focus on the significance of valuing what you have, and how it extends to everyone around you, but most of all, yourself. When you value something or someone, you will do your utmost to look after it/them. When considering how to best prepare for the unknown future, I think that it is vital to take the time to think about what you most value about yourself as this confidence will help you continue forwards.
Given that today is Bank Holiday Monday, why not take today as the opportunity to start thinking about valuing yourself more???
Having recently taken the time to read widely and enjoy the summer sun, I found these words:
"If you want to know your past, Look at who you are today. If you want to know your future, Look at your mind today"
This quote separates who you are and your mind. This is one differentiation we can usefully make, as it suggests that we do not need to be always controlled by our mind. Easier said than done, of course.
Nevertheless, it provides us with two different starting points. You may want to first reflect upon what aspects of your mind you value most. This may be efficiency, steadiness, care, attention and much more. It is believed that your brain contains approximately 100 billion neurons and that the fastest speed for information to pass between neurons is about 250 mph. Whether or not you believe that the mind and the brain are the same, I think that these astonishing facts demonstrate the power that we have, just in the physical body. The skin is our largest organ and covers on average an area of 2 square metres. If we can value the physical body and successfully harness the power (literally!) at our fingertips, there is likely to be a greater connection and understanding within ourselves about how we should treat what we have in the best way.
We just need a little hug and encouragement in the right direction.
Value of yourself is linked with self-esteem. Self-esteem can function at a more universal level, such as how you feel about yourself generally, as well as at a specific level, such as how you feel about yourself in particular roles eg. parent, child, student, professional and so on. An important point to observe is that our self-esteem may fluctuate a lot day to day and even hour to hour. Therefore, taking the time now to appreciate what you value about yourself will be reassuring in those times when your self-esteem is lower.
Self-value also may go deeper than self-esteem. Self-value shows how you act towards yourself, rather than how you feel about yourself in comparison to others. Thus, it is able to withstand times of low self-esteem.
Take a moment to think about what you value.
You regard it as important.
More than that, you appreciate its qualities and are happy to invest time, energy, effort, and will sacrifice things in order for it to be nurtured and maintained well.
For example: when admiring a painting by Leonardo Da Vinci, you focus on its beauty and exquisite design instead of cracks or faded parts in the paint. This situation may not resonate with you, but replace the painting with your own treasured possession...whether that is a car, pet, piece of jewellery...
You ensure that it is treated well and looked after in suitable conditions for its future prosperity.
How much more wonderful the world would be, if everyone embraced and valued themselves, in the same way that the Mona Lisa is cherished and protected...
Well, you have the power.
Oscar Wilde makes a very similar remark to the quote above, as he says:
"Be yourself: everyone else is already taken"
Oscar Wilde suggests that we should cherish our individuality as this is what makes us all special and unique. I hope that you feel able to take the time for self-value and to consider what is really important to you in your life.
Imagine a more extreme situation to help crystallise your thoughts...
If you were on a desert island, who would you want to be with? What would you want to spend your evenings doing? What might you miss most? Or least?
Family - Friends - Music - Arts - Sport - Health - Happiness - Food - Laughter - Sun...
...and the list may continue for evermore.
Your physical and emotional wellbeing is valuable, so I encourage you to reflect on what strengthens and reassures you. For me, I have thoroughly enjoyed the developments of the business and I have some more exciting news about another website coming soon...keep watching the Facebook and Instagram accounts for updates and a heartfelt thank you for all your continued support. I have also added the weekly posts of 'Wednesday words' which consist of written creations, inspired by the fast-moving environment in which we find ourselves in. Please let me know if there are any particular themes or concepts which you would like to see featured.
The 16th US President Abraham Lincoln said "Writing, the art of communicating thoughts to the mind through the eye, is the great invention of the world...enabling us to converse with the dead, the absent, and the unborn, at all distances of time and space". We can take comfort in the benefits of easy communication throughout the world in the modern day, so that we utilise it to the best of our abilities.
Whilst reading, I came across another beautiful phrase, displayed below in italics, which links one's inner nature and the exterior Nature. Sometimes one of the best things we can do for ourselves is to let go of the things which cause us most worry and anxiety. This is helping us to value ourselves, and therefore this value will be able to grow and extend to include others.
Maybe every time you let something grow, a flower grows...
If nothing else, the plethora and multitude of different quotes and statements which have pervaded this blog demonstrates the power and VALUE of reading, whether this is your favourite novel, short poetry collection or even news column. Reading helps to expand and nurture your thoughts beyond their usual confinement. There is something beautiful about the phrase above, which vividly brings to mind the image of a flower coming into bloom, irrespective of any wilderness around. Think of the humble poppy. Since the seeds need light to grow, they only germinate in disturbed soils. The digging of trenches and mass cemeteries alongside exploding bombs decimated Europe's landscape during World War 1, causing millions of poppies to bloom on the disrupted soil. Perhaps this phrase evokes that contrast between the horrors of war and the beauty of these red blowers covering the countryside and how we can learn something from letting go.
The quote above was lovingly created just by me, as I wanted to leave you all with the reminder that sometimes the simplest things in life make us most happy. In the moment of this photo, the joys of life were discovered whilst peeking behind a tree, and exploring the full beauty of Nature with wonderful company.
I finish this blog with a simple practice. Value yourself.
Lots of love always,
Sitara xxx
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