Valuing myself means recognizing and appreciating my own worth and importance as an individual. It involves understanding that I am a unique and irreplaceable person deserving of love, respect, and care. I want to value myself deeply and profoundly. I have found that it takes time and introspection to appreciate my worth. Determine self value is a difficult project, but I’ve worked hard to come to understand that I am unique and irreplaceable. 

I recognize that I don’t always value who I was in the past before coming out authentically, but I try to remind myself that my past served to protect me rather than scar me. I’m learning to celebrate my strengths and embrace my weaknesses, as they all contribute to me being my authentic self.

In thinking back on my life, I can see where valuing myself starts with self-acceptance. I didn’t always do so, but embracing my strengths and even my weaknesses, acknowledging and owning my imperfections, helped me to begin to become comfortable with who I am rather than who I portrayed myself to be. It’s about not trying to be someone else any more, but rather understanding that I am enough just as I am.

Self-worth for me has always been about comparing myself to others, but that has to stop. I need my focus to be on recognizing my own accomplishments, growth, and the positive impact I’ve had on the people and the world around me rather than how I fall short of someone else. Because my value extends beyond my external achievements and appearances, I can value my character, the kindness I show to others, the love and care I offer to those close to me, and the way I continuously strive to improve and learn.

In coming out of the closet, I have come to recognize the value of self-compassion. I’ve learned to be forgiving of my mistakes and to view them as opportunities for growth, but also recognize there is more work to do. I have grown to accept that this self-love is not about arrogance or being narcissistic, but about acknowledging my inherent worth as a human being. I am valuable, which means I deserve happiness, respect, and fulfillment, just as anyone else does.

Ultimately, I believe that learning to value myself will be an ongoing journey, and I’m committed to nurturing and preserving it. I had the courage enough to value and love myself enough to step out and introduce the world to my authentic self. To me that was the end of self-loathing and the beginning of a beautiful life of valuing who God made me to be. I will strive to treat myself with the same kindness and respect that I extend to others, understanding that this self-value is the foundation upon which I can build a fulfilling and meaningful life. I have built my ministry on loving and valuing others; I deserve the same from myself—I am that valuable.