When they don't see your value...

“Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone else’s inability to see your worth” ~ Unknown

Growing up in the South, with a mother who gave birth to me in her mid-30s, I was exposed to a unique blend of "old school." While my peers enjoyed common entertainment, I found myself drawn to a different era. As a child in the early '90s, my musical preferences leaned toward the sounds of the '60s and '70s.

Blues music was prominent in our household, with artists like B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Z.Z. Hill providing the soundtrack of my youth. Alongside the music, our television screen was often filled with immortal reruns of shows like A-Team, M.A.S.H., Three Stooges, I Love Lucy, and my personal favorite, Sanford and Son.

Sanford and Son wasn't just a source of laughter for me; it was also a source of inspiration. Portrayed by comedian Redd Foxx, Fred G. Sanford was an African American business owner in the early '70s, running a junk business with his son Lamont.

Whenever someone belittled Fred’s business, he’d remind them that it wasn’t just junk; it was an "empire". Fred knew his value, regardless of who couldn't or wouldn't see it. The comedic content used back then wouldn't last a week in today's society. Nevertheless, there's great wisdom we can glean.

This show teaches us two incredible lessons about self-worth when others fail to recognize it.

Lesson 1: Let your journey bring you joy.

Embrace the path you've traveled. There's so much to learn from your journey. Despite facing obstacles rooted in negativity, you've overcome them and found a measure of freedom to be yourself. This realization should fill you with a sense of joy that shapes your perspective.

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” – Maya Angelou

Lesson 2: Expect plot twists.

Life is full of unexpected turns, akin to the suspense of a movie or book with a surprising twist. It's those moments when new information reshapes your understanding, challenging the direction you thought your story was heading. These "plot twists" have the power to alter your perception and ultimately change the outcome.

Your life has seen many plot twists, and there will be more to come. The beauty lies in your ability to shift your perspective and adapt to these changes.

Conclusion:

Just because others fail to see your value doesn't diminish it. Sometimes, people inadvertently reveal their insecurities by not recognizing your worth. Understanding your own value and confidently embracing it is key.

Fred Sanford may have run a business filled with what others considered junk, with few paying customers, but he never wavered in his self-worth. Despite criticism from others, including his own family, he always asserted, “This is an empire.”

This week, strive to embody that same confidence. Be your own empire.