As children, we receive simplified lessons from our parents, often requiring later refinement or even rejection. “Don’t talk to strangers” evolves into understanding measured trust is crucial for daily life, and “hitting is bad” becomes accepting the use of force in unavoidable situations.
Similarly, while I believe in everyone’s inherent value, navigating your 20s and 30s exposes a harsh reality: perceived worth often hinges on market forces.
We’re all shaped by the laws of supply and demand, especially in the realm of employment. Skills and their “rarity” in the market significantly affect your value. You’re not inherently worth something; your value stems from what someone is willing to pay. Even as a freelancer, your time’s output, whether products or knowledge, has a market-determined value, dependent on your ability to effectively present yourself.
However, money isn’t the sole currency. Time, love, and friendship all operate as exchange systems too.
The question of “being worthy of love” has a hard truth: there’s no inherent claim to an absolute value in love, just like in the working world.Instead of dwelling on self-worth, we can focus on appreciating others and expressing love freely. My experience shows that those who generously give love often receive it in return.
