Value

We all have value as the human beings we are.

But sometimes society places value on us by what we do, what we watch, and who we appear to be. 

We all go on our own journeys to find our sense of value or purpose. When I started my journey, it was filled with potholes. Sometimes I got stuck in them, but sometimes that happens in a journey of self-discovery. 

Systems often put a value on you by the services they provide. To use my favorite phrase, “billable systems” tend to forget the importance of being person-centered and instead focus on “did I get the billable service.” This takes away from the true value of the person and who someone is in terms of the gifts and talents they have to offer the world. So let me remind those who work for us, and in a lot of cases alongside us, that box will get checked if you help us live the lives we value. 

This season has truly been a challenge for me as an advocate. I’m in a season of transition, and those who know me understand that patience is not my strong suit.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that systems or agencies shouldn't be telling you what your value is. That happens on a journey of self-discovery, and believe me, the journey is life-long. Please take time to celebrate your successes. Also remember that the value you hold is determined by your belief in yourself, not systems, not agencies, and not people reading documents about you.

You are priceless because of who you are as a human being.