The Journey Inward

Love, what would you have me know today?

Sweet one, I would have you know that your worth is not equated with your productivity or your accomplishments. I know, I know, this flies in the face of every message you’ve been given, in word and in deed. It is a message that feels like it might short circuit your very wiring. At the very least, it is something that you know in your head, but still struggle with in the fiber of your being. You believe a productive person is a valuable member of society. You believe accomplishments earn you respect and credibility. You believe the type of work you do equates to the type of person you are.

My sweet, nothing could be further from the truth. Productivity and accomplishments and a helpful profession are all wonderful things, but they do not define you. I love you just as much when you are not productive and you are not accomplishing. I love you when you pass up the opportunity to lead outside the classroom or provide professional development. I love you when you say no to outside demands and yes to yourself. I love you as you consider retiring from your profession and think of other ways to support yourself.

I love the part of you that is creative and innovative, the parts of you that serve no one but you, like your reading, and your writing. I love when you do things that light you up.

In fact, I give you permission to do more of that! I give you permission to look inward, not outward, for your approval. I want that for you more than anything.

Sweet, I want to remind you that you are a human being, not a human doing.

Photo: Allentown, PA. October 2023 by LA