Redeem What's Worth

I’d like to share a story that’s been rewritten for the purpose of its length, but still encapsulates the essence of “worth”

A boy once received a rock from a wise man, the boy brought the rock to the market and someone were willing to trade the rock for 2 apples. The boy ran home with excitement and told his dad he were able to get 2 apples for the rock. The father told the boy to bring the rock to the jewelry store down the street. The man were shocked and were willing to give the boy $10,000 for the rock. The boy ran home feeling ecstatic and were certain he’d be rich. The father then told the boy to bring the rock to a museum, the boy went a head and brought it in and the curator were shocked what the boy brought and said he’s willing to pay $1,000,000 for it as it were an ancient rock worth way beyond the value.

Today, the feeling of “worth” dawned upon me as I pondered upon this question. It brought me back to this story where the boy had the exact same rock which provided two drastic values depending on where it was introduced. Similarly, as human beings with unique aspects and developments we all have something unique to provide and when we’re in the right environment. The value we provide change drastically.

Let’s say a person is built slim, with characteristics of being subtle and flexible. Suddenly one day this person find themselves in an environment where intense physical labor is required where brute force, being blunt and aggressive is the desire. The same person is going to find to be valued quite drastically as opposed to being in an art studio.

This begs the question, knowing one’s value will drastically yield different results in life. Knowing the current environment is not appreciating, valuing, and supporting what one brings to the table will be detrimental. Opposed to being in an environment where people appreciate, support, and value what you bring.

I once had a job that required me to be deceptive and use “unique” tactics to “persuade” people into making sales. I felt really uncomfortable during the orientation. Every minute and second just made me want to leave the place. In the back of my mind, I knew I did not belong here, nor did I want to continue the work. I quit the very next day as I knew I could not do this type of work despite how much money I’d been able to make.

On the other hand, I had another job where honesty, sincerity, and creativity were required, I thoroughly enjoyed the work and it was reciprocated. I worked there for less than a year and had the opportunity to be the manager. Everything seemed effortless and just flowed like a river.

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“Understands the value you provide, and the provided value will be understood.” -T.N

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How then does one know what value one holds?

The answer always lies within, it requires time and awareness.

Just like the little boy, he had to go to 3 different markets to find out the different values the rock had. But, the true value lies within the boy, he was loyal to his dad and reported back what he had found. If he were greedy and accepted the 2nd offer he'd lose out on the 3rd and what's to come. The boy was open-minded and did not conclude any of his findings.

Questions of Reflection

Values are imprinted within ourselves, it does not need to be found anywhere else in the world. Reflecting deep into our past we can see what values we hold and what we seek.

What do you value?

*Think back to the past, what made you feel proud and ashamed. Follow those threads.

What is unique about you?

*A bird does not think flying is unique as it embodies it; whereas, a chicken would deem flying to be unique”

**These answers are not meant to be drawn right away, as it is a journey of exploration. Keep in mind the questions and they’ll reveal themselves over time. Almost as if one were to dive down into the lake and attempt to find certain items. On some days it’s blurry, muddy, and one can’t see anything. On other days, the lake is clear and you’ll be able to find what you’re seeking with ease.