When I was a little girl I dreamed of being a professional basketball player.
Funny, right?
I wanted to be the best women’s basketball player that had ever lived. I wanted to dunk and dribble and shoot like a superstar, with crowds cheering my name!
In reality, I was short and fat and couldn’t play basketball very well. But I was a true visionary and imagined that one day it could happen. It didn’t. And I laugh now when I think about it.
I also wanted to be an actress.
I pictured myself taking audiences on emotional journeys as I portrayed dramatic characters. (I was madly in love with Marlo Thomas back then, but that’s beside the point.) When I took acting classes in college, however, I discovered that I had zero talent in that category. So that dream wasn’t going to happen, either.
These were the two things that I prayed for when I was a little girl, and I got neither of them.
Instead, I was blessed with a different gift. I had the ability to love people, to hold them, to support them, to be with them when they most needed someone.
For years I was told by friends and loved ones, “You need to become a therapist. You give great advice, and you know what you’re talking about when it comes to emotional intelligence and mental fitness.” They may have had a point, but it never felt right to me.
It wasn’t until I learned about coaching that I confidently said, “That’s for me.”
Earlier today I was sharing with a student of mine about my fears and insecurities, and she admitted that she had a hard time believing that.
I told her that I don’t have perfect days every day and that, for me, the most difficult days revolve around money.
I invest in myself in big ways, and then this little feeling of doubt creeps in.
But even as that doubt nibbles and gnaws at my certainty, the bottom line is that it has always worked and it always will, because I believe in myself and I trust others.
I believe in myself and I trust others. @laurafenamore (Click to Tweet!)
I know I am worth what I charge. I’ve seen the results. And when people say “No” to me I understand that it’s not because I’m not good at what I do. It’s because they’re not willing to invest in themselves for one reason or another.
However, I would be lying if I said it’s easy to hear “No.”
It’s true that I was given a gift in my life as a coach, as a teacher, and as a writer. But I have invested a tremendous amount of money in myself, even when I didn’t know when it was going to come back to me or where it was going to come from in the first place. I invested in myself, filled with hope and trust because I knew I was worth it.
I kept the faith and valued myself and my growth.
In this spirit, I made a vow that, as a coach, I would myself remain coachable. I would never stop growing, and always be open to more. Toward that end, I currently have a spiritual teacher and a business coach, and I continue to invest in myself.
Would I have had more in my life – in terms of material things and experiences – had I not invested in myself all these years?
Absolutely.
But would I be as strong, confident, joyful and happy as I am today had I not invested that money in myself?
The answer, without a shadow of a doubt, is NO.
So was it worth it?
YES! A hundred time yes! A thousand times yes!
I may not be a famous actress or basketball player. But I can see now that the money, time, and energy I invested in myself was worth it because no matter how much fear came with some of those decisions, the payoff for all of it is the wonderful life I currently enjoy.
I was given a gift to love people, and I’ve dedicated my resources to reinforcing that gift.
I hope that you consider yourself worthy enough to do the same.
One of the ways I give back is by teaching classes like this class which begins on September 25th called “Fall In Love With Yourself”. I hope you consider joining us.
Do you think you’re worth investing in?
What opportunities could arise from such an investment?
Laura Fenamore, Body Image Expert, Coach and acclaimed Author is on a mission to help women around the world end the constant battle with their bodies and start adoring who they see in the mirror. Her approach walks students and readers through the heartfelt journey to self-love at any size or age by unlocking the secrets to a lifetime of emotional, physical and spiritual health. After overcoming a lifelong battle with addiction, obesity, and eating disorders, Laura released 100 pounds – keeping it off for more than 28 years. She chronicles this journey to self-love and health in her widely acclaimed book, Skinny, Fat, Perfect: Love Who You See in the Mirror. Learn more about Laura’s programs, or invite her to speak by visiting SkinnyFatPertect.com.
Image courtesy of Matheus Bertelli.
