“Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved
and believes in the goodness in people.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
You Are Important— Be the Rock Star You Are Meant to Be!
YOU ARE IMPORTANT— BE THE ROCK STAR YOU ARE MEANT TO BE!
Understanding our place in society is foundational to help us get to a healthy place. If each of us realized how truly valuable we are to our family, friends, society and to our Creator, many of our struggles with health would evaporate. Knowing that our friends and family have love and gratitude for us, and we for them, would replace those nagging negative self-thoughts that drag us into darkness with positive, life-giving thoughts about ourselves and those around us. The tendency to gain weight from emotional eating would be replaced with a sense of mutual respect and appreciation from those around us. The tendency to put off exercise would be replaced with an excited attitude of looking forward to keeping our body fit so we can see our dreams come true and live a long, healthy life with our loved ones. Knowing the important place we have in our world makes it easier to get the physical exercise our bodies need to stay healthy.
In our society, it's sometimes easy for us to think that no one cares about us. So many of us feel alone in a crowd—but there's no need to feel that way! Many of us deal with difficult relationship issues, but even when it seems like we have no support from the people around us, that can be built up. Besides, the most important thing for us to remember is that God cares about us! He wants us to accept His friendship. He sent His Son so that we might be forgiven. (More on that coming up in later chapters.)
Here are some things to focus on and maybe add to your affirmation list regarding how important you are:
Finding Yourself
I matter because I am the only person who can be ME!
- Everyone's path in life leads in different directions and we all have a different story to tell. We all face different challenges. We all must learn from different experiences. There are billions of people on this planet and yet YOU are the only person who is exactly like YOU. This simple fact of our unique identity before God is incredibly important. Don’t even for a second allow yourself to think anything different.
I am important because I have a special purpose!
No matter who you are, you can provide value. We each have an individual purpose that cannot be compared to everyone else. You have a different perspective to share. Every day, you are guided to shed light on situations that no one else can possibly provide. You can utilize your unique experiences to help and positively influence others.
You have a unique mission in this life! Only you can do it. If you live your life well and seek your highest calling, you will change your world. If you don’t or can’t because of poor health, it will have a grave effect of the people in your life. So get healthy and stay healthy! You have a lot to do and people around you are depending on you.
I am important because I can turn my life struggles into life lessons!
The old saying goes, "When you are handed lemons, make lemonade!” Life is often challenging; some days are tougher than others. But with every challenge, we gain the opportunity to grow stronger. It’s not what life gives us that matters—it’s how we deal with the things that life gives. We can continuously improve who we are and what we can achieve, and there's always room for improvement in the way we react when something negative comes our way. Instead of allowing a challenge to bring you down, keep pushing
I am important because I can influence others to achieve their own greatness!
Be a leader. Leadership is about inspiring and influencing others to achieve their own greatness. No matter who you are, you can positively influence and lead others. You can lend a helping hand, and encourage others. You can make a difference in their lives. Never underestimate yourself or your capabilities. Be passionate. Be genuine. Be yourself. And always remember that you matter—you are important.
I am a member of Toastmasters, an organization with the goal of helping people improve their communications and leadership skills. The highest personal level a person can achieve is to become a Distinguished Toastmaster. It's quite an honor and involves a lot of hard work. Being a driven person, I set my eyes on that goal and achieved it—not once but four times. (My wife tells me I am all-or-nothing. I have no idea what’s she talking about!) Since then, several of my Toastmasters friend have also applied themselves and received this distinction. I can’t help but think I had a little to do with inspiring them. You too can inspire others around you to do something amazing. What will it be?
Inspiring Others
I matter because I can help and inspire others!
One of the greatest joys in life is helping and inspiring others along the way and, in turn, being helped and inspired by them, too. We all need support from others—it’s human nature. Sometimes, all we need to make our day is for someone to believe in us, and to tell us how much they value and support us. You can be the one to support others. You can be the one to give someone a positive lift and a helping hand. Helping others not only provides inspiration, but it will also ignite a spark within you. Even when it is not outwardly acknowledged, there is always a return current of energy when we give of ourselves and help others. It’s like a continuous circle—when you inspire, you also feel inspired.
I matter because I can love and be loved!
You already know this—loving and receiving love is the ultimate human experience. It's what gives meaning to life. Loving and caring is what adds value to our lives. It provides depth and a reason for living. It provides hope, wonder and excitement. This loving exchange with our partners, kids, friends, and even our pets, is what makes each day worth every challenge and every experience. Remember that there is no greater love than what we can share with our Creator, and his Son—and no earthly love can compare.
I am important because I can provide joy and happiness!
You know the joy you get when you provide happiness to another person. Take time to tell those around you how much you do care. It helps you as much as it helps them. Give them a high five, a hug or a smile. And don’t stop at just telling them; SHOW THEM each day with acts of kindness. Spread your cheer and good humor everywhere you go. Why hide it under a bushel basket? [Matthew 5-15-16] You never know whose day you may brighten up.
My friend Rob owns a construction business. One of his employees decided to build himself a house in his off hours, a major undertaking. Rob could see that he was struggling and overwhelmed. So, one weekend when Rob knew his friend was out of town he took his whole crew down and framed in the whole subfloor on this guy’s new house. The employee came back on Sunday night and was overwhelmed with gratitude, filled with joy and happiness—a gift that guy will never forget. Way to go, Rob!
I matter because I can show others that anything is possible!
The passion and determination to become a healthy person will take you farther than you can imagine. If you just settle, or are afraid to take chances, you will not reach that true-life potential. Let go of fear; take chances and do your best. There is a saying that, "If you aim at nothing, you'll hit the mark every time." Set goals. Take each day step-by-step, but also write down your long-term goals and log your progress and growth. Determination, passion, and the willingness to keep moving forward consistently are the true keys to long-term success. See chapter 3 for a deeper look at taking the next steps.
Spirituality
I am important to God because He created me in His image!
The sacred text teaches: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." [Genesis 1:27] and "What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.” [Psalms 8:4-5]
Sometimes I just sit and think about this thought—God created us in his image—what a powerful thought! And what are the implications? Take some time and process this on your own sometime.
I matter because God sent Jesus Christ to Earth to help me find my way through this life and into the next!
The sacred text explains it well: “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life." [John 3:16] How can you go wrong knowing such a thing? The Creator of the universe loves you completely.