Self Worth Beats Net Worth

I spotted this very billboard (pictured above) along Interstate 10 as Kirk, Vivian and I were driving home to Florida after visiting our relatives in New Orleans on Monday.   I can't recall the sign's exact location -- somewhere between Mississippi and Alabama. 

But I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the message.  Those words, "Self Worth Beats Net Worth," stayed with me for the entire rest of the ride back to Pensacola.

I realize that this billboard is not new.  It's part of the "Recession 101 Campaign" that came out in 2009.  In summary (for any of you who may not know), an anonymous donor paid an advertising group to develop and post positive messages across the United States during this recession. 

There are over a dozen spirited and clever phrases, such as:

-- Recession 101: It's a test, not a final.

-- Recession 101: The interesting thing about recessions....they end.

-- Recession 101: No one can foreclose on your future.

-- Recession 101: Bill Gates started Microsoft in a recession.

-- And many others....

How wonderful and odd are these notebook written billboards! I've personally seen only two different signs so far.  But when I do spot them, they lift my spirits when I read their message. 

This particular one on self worth really hit home with me though.  Self worth has been on my mind lately.   I've been on a positive upsweep in my life and I'm trying to continue the momentum. I enjoy it when I read/hear/see something wonderful and kind going on in the world around me. 

Now, I'm not always upbeat and positive.  I have my negative, down moments like everyone does.  Sometimes I think.... Gosh, I'm a stay at home mom now.  Geez!  Who would've thought?!  What will happen to my skills and experience in the workplace?  What am I doing to contribute to my family?  And I get depressed at times. 

But then I think more deeply.... Well, I do a lot for my family.  I'm spending time with my daughter, moments I will never get back again.  Not everyone has that opportunity with their children.  Also, I'm helping out financially by cooking more at home and not spending funds on eating out.  I find cheap or even free activities for Vivian and I to do during the week.  I'm experimenting with new foods and becoming creative in other ways.  I'm making the time to exercise.  I look better.  I feel better, most days.  Gee... my life isn't so bad!  And my life now isn't permanent.  I can evolve and change it at any point. 

And I snap myself out of it and think of all the many gifts I have in my life.  I am lucky to have what I do and the power to change me (both physically and mentally) at any moment.  Not everyone has that option.

I remember being a teenager and having a low self esteem, so unsure of myself and all those around me.  That is such a hard, awkward age for many kids, filled with peer pressure. 

Then I think back to being in college and being exposed to a whole new set of rules (or lack thereof) while digging deeper into who I was as a person.  That was just the beginning of real self-discovery for me.  The friendships I made there really changed me for the better.

Over the past two years, I've looked at myself in new ways again, as a mother, a wife and a friend.  These roles have had their ups, downs and joyous occasions.   It's been a thrilling ride to say the least. 

Today I look at myself and examine what I've done in just over the past four months, the last 120 days since I have been a Florida resident and a stay at home mom.  And I think.... Wow, you go girl!  Look at what you've accomplished!  Just like you wanted to do.  You're making things happen.  You're doing what you want.  You're working toward being the best Mandy you can be.

And I realize.... That's self worth.  That's attitude.  That's knowing who you are and embracing it.  That's changing the things you don't like about yourself (or your life) and tweaking them too. 

That's where I am right now.  And I must admit.... it feels damn good.  I like it.  I like it a lot. 

Self worth really does beat net worth.  That billboard is incredibly accurate.  And I'm lucky that it's presently a snapshot into my life.  I can't wait to see/read what the next sign will be. 

It doesn't matter what kind of car you drive (or if you don't have one).  It doesn't matter if you live in the nicest house on the block (or not in a house at all).  It doesn't matter if you don't own an article of clothing worth over $20. 

When it comes down to it, all that really matters is how you see yourself.  How you feel about you. 

Well, how do you feel?  How's your self worth?