by Mindy Jo
How do you weigh who’s worthy of YOUr presence? Too often we get caught up in what we can do for others to earn their approval and acceptance. Or perhaps, it’s in what we say (or don’t say) in hopes they’ll come to realize they need our insert-YOUr-name-HERE-ness in their lives. Speaking from experience, this can cause you to become insecure, losing yourself and potentially losing that individual-who may have (or not) been worth your time & effort. The heart of it is—you cannot convince someone of your awesomeness, nor should you waste your time doing so. If they are worth having in your life, YOU can make that call. Here are 3 ways to weigh who’s worthy of YOUr presence.
- Take Time To…W.A.Y.T. & Recognize. YOU are a Gift.
This. Right. Here. YOU are a gift. One of my best friends & fradopted sisters—you know, the kind of friend who truly becomes your family—once said to me, “I’m a gift, and if someone can’t see I’m a gift, they don’t belong in my life.” When reading her statement, you could think, “She has a mighty high opinion of herself.” Knowing my fradopted sister for nearly twenty years now, I can attest to the fact she is indeed a gift. My fradopted sister would be there for you in a heartbeat if you needed her. She loves with everything she has and could be a synonym for the word: trustworthy. She is the kind of human being whose presence simply brings you peace. I wouldn’t dream of treating her as anything less than a gift. Besides, isn’t that how we should see ourselves…as a gift?
W.A.Y.T is an acronym for Worry About YOU Today. It’s about time that you Take Time To…W.A.Y.T. & Recognize. YOU are a gift. There is only one you on this planet, and you have so much to offer others just by being you. This thought-process is not one of arrogance either; it’s about being true to yourself while recognizing YOU are unique. Your presence should be appreciated by others, and if individuals cannot recognize you are a gift, they are not worthy of your presence. Simple as that.
- Take Time To…W.A.Y.T. & Remember. Your Time IS Valuable.
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Time is precious.” Well, it IS, and it’s time that you Take Time To…W.A.Y.T. & Remember. Your time IS valuable. When you have someone in your life who doesn’t respect your time, or someone who consistently withholds their time from you, it’s important to remember to surround yourself with individuals who enrich your life. If you have communicated boundaries with a person who refuses to respect your time, it may be time to invest in a healthier relationship.
When you spend your precious time with another human being, you are making an investment in your relationship with that individual. So, when selecting people to include in your circle, choose those who add value to your life. Remember, it’s okay to surround yourself with others who make you feel good when they are in your presence. Not to insinuate we can always be ‘up’; everyone has a bad day every now & then and may need a pick-me-up from a friend, family member, or significant other as a result. The issues arise when someone else’s negative behavior becomes the ‘norm’, thus, pulling your positive mindset down with it. You’ll need to take time to weigh out if these individuals are worthy of your presence. You’ll need to take time to remember your time is valuable.
- Take Time To…W.A.Y.T. & Relax. YOU are Enough.
Why do we put so much weight on how others view us? When someone makes you feel like you are not enough, you are allowing that person to make you feel that way. I encourage you to Take Time To…W.A.Y.T. & Relax. YOU are enough. Instead of trying to be omniscient and a mind-reader, focus on your own self-worth. Practice in front of a mirror—whether at home, in the car, or in some random restroom—reminding yourself of what you bring to the table. You are beautiful. You are amazing. YOU are enough. When you truly believe you are enough, you empower yourself by not allowing others to have power over you.
Many times, we overthink the situation and assume all things negative the other person in our life may be thinking of us. Insecurities take over and consume our thoughts. I’ve been there, so I am speaking from experience. The key is to make a commitment to yourself to stop the insanity. Stop worrying about what others think of you and start worrying about what YOU think of you. Make a list (literally) of your positives. Highlight any opportunities, or areas you feel you could improve upon in your life. After writing down your assessment, breathe it in, and then…relax! Reminding yourself you are enough does not mean you will no longer grow as a human being, because you will. Saying you are enough is saying you accept & love yourself for where you are at right now, and you will continue to accept & love yourself as you strive for more-even when you stumble every now and then.
Worry About YOU Today and Own It
It is not selfish or self-centered to worry about you today. In fact, it is just the opposite, so own it. When you worry about you today, you are making the ultimate to yourself to focus on your needs to become the best version of yourself. That kind of energy radiates from you, causing those around you to take notice and feel it, too. That kind of energy is magnetic and contagious. That kind of energy attracts the kind of individuals you want in your circle. So, how do you weigh who’s worthy of your presence? (1) Recognize you are a gift. (2) Remember your time is valuable. (3) Relax because you are enough. Wishing you tranquility today & every day. -Mindy Jo
