I’m Worth It!
(and so are you)
Over 50 years ago, L’Oreal Paris coined the phrase “I’m worth it” in a campaign for its do-it-at-home hair color. At the time, the cosmetics industry was predominantly run by men, and the advertising campaigns centered around women making themselves look more beautiful for men. During the feminist cultural revolution, L’Oreal flipped that script and focused on women building their confidence with the “I’m Worth It” campaign. Suddenly, women could do something for themselves simply because it made them feel more self-confident, not just to make themselves more attractive to others.
That tagline was so popular that L’Oreal still uses it in its campaigns 55 years later!
I recently saw one of their commercials, and that phrase struck a new chord deep inside me. For most of my life, I believed my worth was directly tied to my outer appearance, my job and what I could contribute and achieve, and how good a mother and wife I could be.
My worth had absolutely nothing to do with who I am … compassionate, empathetic, a connector of people, and a passionate advocate for whatever I believe in.
I was wrong. I was deceived by advertising, books, and seminars.
It was easier to perform for others than to look inward and determine what truly makes me valuable. When I received the life-changing diagnosis of Stage 4 breast cancer, I was reeling. When I was no longer able to continue in my chosen career due to the forever symptoms of cancer and its treatment, I panicked! What the heck am I going to do now?
I guess we know … I am going to continue living my life and advocating for both myself and for other Stage 4 cancer warriors.
I am going to talk to legislators at every level—local, state, and federal—to explain why we need drastic health care reforms.
I am going to mentor other cancer patients and hear them tell me that they feel alone, they don’t want to burden their families and friends with their ongoing pain, and they feel useless. They don’t want to feel that way, but what can they do?
Most importantly, I am defining my purpose and matching my activities to that purpose. I no longer attach my identity to a role or to other people’s expectations of me. Whatever I do now, I do because it’s an extension of who I am. My activities may change based on new information or causes that I learn of, but my purpose and identity will never shift. Everything I do now is what I do, not who I am.
And that’s an important and life-saving realization that every one of us needs to work on. Every single person (that includes you) needs to take the time to evaluate who you are, what makes you excited about life, and what doesn’t.
In the meantime, I want you to go forth and … be exceptional!
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Photo credit: Macy Alex Photography
