"L'homme qui ne se valorise pas ne peut rien ni personne valoriser."

When someone doesn't appreciate their own worth, it’s tough for them to truly value other people or things around them. Think about it: if you don't see the good in yourself, how can you accurately recognize and appreciate the good in others? It’s like trying to see the beauty in the world through a dirty window. You’ll miss out on so much.

This idea has roots in both philosophy and psychology. Many thinkers, from Aristotle to modern-day life coaches, emphasize the importance of self-respect. They argue that personal value isn't just a nice-to-have—it's foundational. Without it, our relationships and how we interact with the world can get pretty messy.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Consider Jane, who works in a high-stress corporate job. She’s competent but constantly doubts her worth, feeling she's never good enough. This lack of self-value spills over into her interactions with colleagues. She doesn’t trust others' capabilities because she doesn’t trust her own. Team projects suffer because she micromanages, unable to delegate or appreciate her coworkers' contributions. Her personal life isn’t much better. In relationships, she feels unworthy of love and respect, leading to unhealthy dynamics—she either clings too tightly or keeps her distance.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start with self-reflection. Acknowledge your strengths and achievements, no matter how small they seem. Practice self-compassion. Cut yourself some slack when you make mistakes—everybody does. Set boundaries. Don't let others take advantage of you because you don’t think you deserve better.

Now, imagine you're at a coffee shop with a friend, and they tell you they feel like they're failing at everything. You’d probably remind them of their past successes, right? You’d highlight their talents and point out all the ways they’ve grown. Why not do the same for yourself? Keep a journal where you jot down positive feedback, achievements, and moments you’re proud of. Reflect on these when you’re feeling low. It’s a great way to start building that self-value muscle.

Here’s a relatable scenario: Think about a time when you were really proud of something you did—maybe you completed a tough project at work, cooked a delicious meal, or helped a friend through a rough patch. Remember that feeling of accomplishment and pride? Now, imagine approaching every day with that mindset. It’s not about being arrogant; it’s about acknowledging your own worth. When you do this, you’ll notice a shift. You’ll start valuing others more because you’re no longer projecting your insecurities onto them. You’ll see their strengths and contributions in a new light, leading to healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

In essence, by valuing yourself, you’re setting the stage to value everything and everyone around you. It’s like tuning an instrument—you need to get yourself in harmony first before you can make beautiful music with others.