How Do You Measure Your Self Worth?

by minimus 46 Replies latest jw friends

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  happyout

  I also measure my self worth by what I do for others. Usually it's the little things, I smile at everyone, I compliment people whenever I can, I donate blood, those are the things that make me feel I am "good". However, I also have doubts as to whether what I am doing is what "God" wants me to do. I am uncertain what comes after this life, so there is always a certain fear, if you will, about my path. Also, I recognize that I am imperfect, and have faults and make mistakes, and sometimes wonder if those mistakes are going to cost me the good part of the hereafter.

  While I am uncertain, I do my best, and I think about how to better myself, and that, I believe, is a good way to become a good person.
• 

  minimus

  Windchaser, THANK YOU so much for your generous offer. I appreciate that your skill takes time and effort and I think that it's so nice of you to offer this! However, since I'm a typical guy, I probably wouldn't appreciate it as I should. But, if you want to send me some home-made liquor or something like that, I'll be sure to drink it......Thank you for your kindnesses!!!
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  SPAZnik

  I'm not sure I ever have "measured" my self-worth.
  But if I had to....well, I hope I'd learn to apply the same lax standards to myself that I have for others.
  
  That because you exist, you are worth something.
  I respect and value your life, and I'm trying to respect and value mine too.

  So I guess this is essentially the same thought as SaintSatan,
  "I exist, therefore I am worthwhile."

  Any other measure seems, well, phantasmagoric.

  SPAZ

  ps - congrats Windchaser of the jedi class. :D

  Edited by - SPAZnik on 26 December 2002 22:6:21
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  Big Tex

  All my life (even as a kid) I've never let others influence what I do. When I was younger, I thrived on being the iconoclast. Standing up alone for my beliefs never bothered me. Oftentimes I was the only JW kid who didn't say the pledge, eat Xmas cookies, etc. It was me against the world. Unfortunately the flip side is that I've almost always let others influence how I feel about myself. Being a child of abuse, my self-esteem was already redlining to begin with. When I was 27, I finally stood up to the Witnesses and they told me I was a bad person, God hated me, I was the only one, etc., I took it all in. For years afterward I felt horrible about myself. I used to pray to God, asking forgiveness for being born a bad person. I used to wonder if it would hurt to die at Armageddon. I thought that since the Witnesses had "the truth" and they told me I was bad, and God certainly wasn't doing anything about my abusive father, therefore it must be me.

  Gradually reason overtook emotion and I pulled myself out of that. But it was a long hard pull. It took time. Years of my life wasted. Oh how I wish I had this website and all the people here 6 or 7 years ago! I feel better about myself now than I have in almost 20 years. I've got a long way to go, and I'll probably never have the self-confidence and self-esteem others have, but standing up for myself and fighting against the Witnesses was my first step.

  Chris
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  minimus

  Big Tex, You've got a BIG HEART. You're right up there, in my book!!!
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  Big Tex

  Right backatya Min.
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  Windchaser

  Well, Minimus, I can't force you to accept one. It doesn't have to be a dish cloth, you know. You could use it to wipe your mouth after you barfed or I can fold it over and sew two sides to make a penis warmer or if you would like pot holders instead, it will take a little more time, but I could do that, too!

  I don't know how to make liquor, although I do have a beer making kit. Will beer do?

  I still like you even if ya don't want a dish cloth...

  Wind, saddened, but keeping a smile on her face and tapping her keyboard in a most optomistic way.
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  minimus

  Windchaser, I like the penis warmer idea......Thanks so much for your kindness. I hope I didn't insult you. That's the last thing I would want to do!!! You are very sweet.
• 

  animal

  After reading thru all of these posts, I think it is time I do some writing... about the experience of my change. Look for a post later today.

  Animal (of the DILLIGAF class)
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  Windchaser

  Nah, you didn't insult me, but it would bring me great joy (and sanity) to do one for you. Do you think I would get a lot of orders for the penis warmers? Gee, I hope that I don't have to take measurements.

  Minimus, please e-mail me with correct size and preferred color.