My approach was born out of my quest to find healing for my daughter. I discovered through the Choose Again Attitudinal Healing program that the concept that each of us has Inherent Worth was the single most effective idea, offering the kernel of hope with which recovery became possible for many people. I observed this time and again at healing circles in Vancouver and in Costa Rica. This same concept provided the antidote I needed to counter my negative beliefs that were driving my depression. I experienced the power of this idea personally.
Knowing that we are inherently worthy provides the key to recovery, and to happiness. It must also be the key to prevention. That is why I teach parents how to get this idea across to their children, and how to embrace it themselves. It’s a simple idea, but it’s not easy and it challenges some societal norms. Here are some frequently asked questions about Inherent Worth:
What does Inherent Worth mean?
Inherent Worth is the idea that everyone has the same worth – infinite worth - by virtue of just being, regardless of race, religion, gender, health, status, wealth or any other external factor.
Where does the idea of Inherent Worth come from?
Inherent worth is based on the spiritual concept that we are all created in God’s Image (Genesis 1:27). As such it’s impossible for anyone to be worth more than anyone else. No matter race, gender, ability or status, everyone can claim equal status spiritually – God doesn’t make mistakes. However, you don’t have to be religious or spiritual to know that we all come into the world equally naked and to believe that we all have the same unlimited potential, despite our differing circumstances and abilities. Using the term “Inherent Worth” is a secular way of describing a spiritual idea.
What's the difference between Inherent Worth and self-esteem?
Inherent worth doesn’t depend on what we accomplish or don’t accomplish it is always there no matter what our external circumstances. We don’t have to earn it and there’s nothing we can do to taint it. It is a constant throughout our lives though our awareness of it may vary. Self-esteem is the measure of our worth by our own estimation based on external evidence such as the approval of others or skills we’ve mastered. As such, it is variable, and can be lost if we fail to measure up to the standards we have set for ourselves or which others have set for us.
How does an awareness of our Inherent Worth help us?
Having a strong awareness that our worth is inherent is the antidote to the negative beliefs that we all pick up in early childhood. Negative beliefs lead us to feel insecure, stressed, praise-dependent, depressed, angry, or a host of other negative emotions. Someone who is completely aware of his or her Inherent Worth will be:
Non-judgmental
Non-blaming
Loving
Caring
At peace with self and others
Resilient
Creative
Confident
Passionate
Grateful
Positive
It is only when we lose sight of who we truly are that we are tempted to judge others and ourselves, blame others and ourselves, and live stressful, limited lives. Remembering the truth of our Inherent Worth, and owning it, is the way to a rich and happy life.