You are Worth It!

📸: Jacquie Connors

I recently listened to Simon Sinek’s podcast featuring Kyle Carpenter, a medically retired US Marine and Medal of Honor recipient. I highly recommend that you check out his story. Carpenter wrote a book entitled You are Worth It. The phrase comes from his response to others when he is thanked for his service. What a powerful statement!

I have also been re-reading the book Drive by Daniel Pink. In it, Pink contrasts a life driven by compliance vs. one inspired by intrinsic motivation. He suggests that when we create school and work environments that focus on autonomy, mastery, and purpose, we provide a much greater foundation for engagement and success over time.

Carpenter’s story and Pink’s book have reemphasized for me that life has deeper meaning when we live purposefully in service to others. Ultimately, it’s all about love. When we see those around us as being worthy of our time and efforts, our mindset shifts from “have to” to “want to”. Despite the hardships, challenges, and pain around us, we can choose to look for ways to help, encourage, and support instead of complaining, demeaning, and destroying. We are all members of the human race, and we are all worth it!