Peaches, Miranda Priestly and Knowing Your Worth

 
How often do we assess ourselves based on the opinions and perceptions of others? How frequently do we say If someone feels this way, then it must be true? It's hard not to fall victim to this line of thinking. We're human and we are not immune to the energy, emotions and thinking of other people, especially those closest to us. The problem is that this way of thinking leaves our self-worth to the wind; it vacillates depending on where and who we are with. 

Here's a quote I love:

“You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there's still going to be somebody who hates peaches.”
― Dita Von Teese

You can be the best, the greatest, the most on top of your game, and there will always be someone that is not a fan of you or your work. That's human. We all are different and we cannot have universal preference - it's impossible. Case in point: there are some people who do not like Tom Hanks.

A scene in The Devil Wears Prada depicts this well. Fashion magazine tycoon Miranda Priestly is chastising her new employee, sensible but unfashionable Andy. Miranda, at one point, refers to Andy as "the fat girl." The scene is played for laughs because Andy is obviously a very slender woman. But in the eyes of Miranda Priestly, a woman who spends her days looking at ghastly underweight models, her view is warped. Translation: there will always be Miranda Priestly's with their own perceptions and views, telling you that you are not enough. 

Personally, I try to know myself, decide what is important to me and when given opposition, assess: How do I feel about what I did? Is this in line with my beliefs and values? Do I trust this person’s opinion and feedback? Am I allowing myself to hear this feedback and be honest with my faults? When it comes to self-worth, we want to have a strong base so we can weather the storm of challenge and opposition.

So know yourself, beautiful peach, and know your worth. And when the Miranda Priestly comes your way, know you will be OK.
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