This first link connects to an article on lds.org about your self-worth. It compares the world's ideas of how you should view yourself to the church's perspective.
This second link is to Lindsey Stirling's profile on mormon.org. I have often thought that she was amazing, though I never knew her background. After reading this and watching the video, I realized that even those you look up to aren't perfect. They've gone through tough times like you, cried like you, feared like you, and even loved like you.
To be honest, I struggled with my own self worth for a little bit. I didn't really realize at the time that it was an issue, but looking back now I can see very clearly that it was. Here is my "life story":
When I was in elementary school I firmly believed that I was the angel child. I thought that all of my teachers loved me and there wasn't anything wrong. I was in a great soccer team that I had been on since I was six and I had friends. Turns out, I was wrong. And it took a little kick to the head to figure out that I was a brat. A downright jerk. One day when my mom picked me up from some extracurricular activity (I can't remember at this point in time), she had a letter for me. It was from my soccer coach. I don't have a copy of it anymore, but the main gist of it was: "We don't want a member on the team that we have to babysit. Shape up or ship out." Not quite that harsh, but in the mind of a young kid, that was devastating news. I cried the rest of the day. Now the happy news: I did shape up. In fact, I got to stay on the team until I turned 14, when the team disbanded and I was forced to go from AA competition to Rec league. In 7th and 8th grade, I was weird. Socially awkward. When I was placed into the advanced honors classes at my school, I gained friends that stuck with me all throughout junior high. But it started out rough. When we were first starting to get to know each other, we formed groups within our group. The nerds of the nerds, the more popular of the nerds, the downright weird of the nerds. Let's put it this way - I definitely was not one of the more popular of the nerds. I'm still not. But the difference is - now I don't care. But back then, I was jealous. I wanted to be loved and respected. I wanted to be like the girl who sat across from me in history. The one with the perfect hair, perfect personality, perfect clothes, perfect smile. Everyone loved her. They still do. The thing is, it's fine to respect someone - as long as you don't compare yourself to them in a way that downgrades your self worth. For the longest time I wanted to be like her. I tried to change who I was. I tried to be what was in my mind the perfect image of "beauty". I never succeeded. There is no "perfect" image. Don't try to be someone you're not. You're perfect the way you are - tears, bruises, and all. I'm definitely doing better with my self attitude. It's not perfect, but I'm working on it. I'm more confident and I have a purpose in life. When you commit to a team sport or a musical program or a club at school, you lose yourself in what you enjoy and you forget about what other people think of you. Find a passion, and stick with it. And most of all, "Don't be afraid to seem ridiculous." ;)
My point is, the Lord loves you for who you are. I have often felt His love in my life. He comforts me and is willing to help me through my trials. He wants each of us to return to live with Him. I know personally that His love is never ending, and that he will offer us opportunities to become a better person. In reference to my previous post, no matter what happens - it's for your own good. Always remember, "The worth of souls is great in the sight of God." (D&C 18:10)
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