Self-Worth: Why It Is NOT A Number!

In a world full of likes, followers, fans and favorites, how do you determine your true worth? As a blogger, this is a daily part of my world. I would love to say that I don’t give a damn who likes my work, who reads my posts, who enjoys my Insta snaps, but in a way I do. I like when people appreciate my effort, see the same beauty as I do in my daughter’s smile, give me props for busting my ass on an event that I helped plan. Do I let it determine my worth? Never.

Let me start by explaining why I became a blogger. I was pregnant with my first child and absolutely terrified, but not for the reasons you might think. I was afraid of becoming the suburban soccer mom with a helmet haircut, mom jeans and the mini van (hey, they are convenient, I get it). I didn’t actually know WHO I was at the time and how being a mom would change me, and I started my blog to find that out.

I never intended for my blog to become my main work, and it still isn’t. I am a stay at home mom, and truly thankful for the opportunity to be one. I continue to blog because it is something just for me; in a world where my main job revolves around cleaning up after and disciplining little ones, the blog world is one where I get to create reality for myself.

As for my worth? Yes, being a blogger allows me to use my creative talent and for that, I feel thankful to have an outlet. We (bloggers) are constantly asked what our numbers are by companies, PR agencies, even colleagues. If you aren’t secure in who you are and aren’t aware of the fact that your true worth has nothing to do with how many Instagram follower you have, it can tear you up. I’ve felt that insecurity many times, but through the years I have learned to say “In the grand scheme of things, does this really matter?” Yes, I completely understand that the more followers you have, the more people are exposed to a brand when you post and there is value in that exposure. But please, don’t let that define you.

I often work with smaller brands, on occasion for free. I have had people scoff at working with a company for no monetary compensation, but if I like the company’s story and believe they are truly dedicated to their work, it is incredibly fulfilling to know I am a part of their success story.

And outside the blogging world? No one person is “worth” more than you. Everyone has different priorities, goals, and attitudes. If you value family time over alone time, that is your priority and be proud of that. For me, I am an anxious introvert and get incredibly overwhelmed by having my kids around me 24/7 (and yes, I know, I decided to have them and I love them dearly but I NEED a break). I need my alone/adult time, my space. This is why I attend quite a few events and set up nights out with friends- it allows me to be ME, not me as a mom, and it allows me to recharge for when I am back with my kids. And yes, I have caught some flack for how much I am out and about. I assure you, my children are happy, well taken care of, and usually fast asleep.

When you see people on social media out at glittery, buzzy events and you are at home doing “nothing special,” take into consideration that you aren’t in their shoes and don’t know why they are out and about. They might need to blow off some steam, gossip with the girls, feel alive again after too many nights feeling invisible. You are home with your family or recharging or relaxing, and yes, it might seem like no one appreciates you, but they DO. Your worth is immeasurable, no matter who you are. Let your worth be defined by doing what you love, loving what you do, your kindness, your compassion, your hard work, dedication and honesty- not a worthless digital stat.