I recently went to Holy Island off the coast of Northumberland. As I walked with my family we arrived at a beautiful pebble beach. All along the beach there were beautiful pebble towers
I instantly began looking for the tallest tower. And then began to build my tallest tower.
Why do we feel the need to build?
I built my tower, and sat to enjoy the fruit of my labour. As I looked I found myself realising that my tower would be knocked down. This fragile cairn of stone would become rubble. I picked up a stone and looked at it. I saw beauty in that single stone. I didn’t need to build because beauty was already intrinsically present on that pebble beach.
Why do we find it hard to accept the value of who we are in our own right?
Today as I write, thousands of young people are receiving GSCE exam results. They will experience many thoughts and a range of positive and negative emotions. People will give them verbal and nonverbal messages about their sense of value, identity and belonging in the world based upon their level of achievement.
I would love to let you know this:
Your value and identity are not based on your achievements – they are based on the beautiful human being that you already are.
It is good to build a secure life through achievements and hard work, but the results should not define you.
Be defined by the love you feel from people who accept you unconditionally.
Be defined by the character of your heart.
Define your value by the love and warmth you share with others.
Determine your own value through how you hold your head up high, and how you view yourself.
We are all like my pebble on the beach: People will try to put you into their category; their box; their view of you.
BUT…
Your value, beauty and sense of worth are already present in who you are. Be encouraged that as a unique and wonderful human being you will make your mark on the world in your own way.
What we do is the overflow of who we are. Be the best YOU that you can possibly be. Hold your head up high and know that today you are heading into the world to show them who you are, not who they think you are.
And as you do, take time to Enjoy the journey 👣
Stuart Writing 