Another week has blown by and I find myself mentally wiped from an emotional week.

Unable to find an inspiring quote on my own, I enlisted the help of a friend I’ve yet to meet: Holly. We “met” over Yelp reviews of our favorite sandwich company here in San Diego. My favorite is the Charlie’s Special and hers is the simple, tried and true Ham & Cheese sandwich. We message a few times a month and she’s wonderful and always makes me smile.

So, I asked if she had a favorite and she has given me this one to share with you you today:

“If you find yourself constantly trying to prove your worth to someone, you have already forgotten your value.” ~Unknown

Thank you, Holly.

This jettisoned me right back to a time in my life where I was wrapped up in an abusive relationship with a man who constantly accused me of cheating on him, always called me “whore” when he was angry, and went so far as choking me when we woke up one morning (on my birthday) because he dreamt I had an affair. And he only liked brand-name clothing, which I hated. But, to please him, I purchased myself (and him) brand name clothes. And went so far as to wear bras on the weekends because he hated my boobs bouncing for the world to see. I completely changed who I was, but convinced myself life was happier because I was with him. I wasn’t. And after about six months of dating, I left him simply because he called me whore one more time. And I slowly regained my confidence, self-worth, and sense of “me” again.

Whenever my cousin, Aaron, gives me a hug he whispers into my ear, “You be good to you.” Typing it doesn’t give it justice: his tone, inflection, and cadence give it so much more life and depth. But may we never forget it.

So, never change who you are for someone. Never feel like you must constantly prove yourself. Just be. And if YOU are not enough to please someone, move on. Never lose yourself.

Ever.

Love, Lisa