You ARE enough

You ARE enough.

Just like most women my age, I got the opposite message growing up. Don’t get me wrong, I came from a loving and supportive family. But outside the home, I never felt that I measured up.

I was not cool or popular. I was the complete opposite. I was made fun of a lot in school. I read Laura Ingalls Wilder books and the librarian was my friend. And no, I did not make that up.

I had some amazing friends and I am still so grateful for them.

I made it through college just fine, being bullied made me tough enough for nursing school, that’s for sure.

But the first time I saw myself in a professional belly dance costume, I heard those words again “you’re not good enough”

My brain rattled off excuses. I was too heavy, my hair was too short, I was terrible at ballet, I was the only lefty, blah blah blah.

It felt like I was back in my very first class where the instructor made the announcement that I was the worst student.

Whatever I needed to be, I wasn’t enough.

I share this with you because we all have those moments. I believe that we can use those moments to build and define ourselves.

We are living in a time and in a society that really only gives lip service to women. I’m not here to get political. We know when we aren’t valued. The inadequate messaging is running non-stop right now.

I’m here today to tell you that you are enough. You’re enough just as you are. We are all really trying hard right now, just to hold onto our values in a crazy and unpredictable world.

So the next time you look in the mirror I want you to see how amazing you are. How smart and talented you are.

There are people in this world who are not only grateful for you but who are better off because of you. And that is the art of being your authentic self - the gift of being you.

You are enough. That is my message. Now share this message with someone else who needs to hear it.