Worthiness - Tumblr Posts
A Brief Note on Deserving -
Recently, brilliant @moonchild0297 put me in touch with a friend of hers. And so began a delightful correspondence (I like talking like I’m a BBC Radio Host from the days of old, take note).
It (the correspondence not the note) turned to the feeling of worthiness and deserving. In trying to write back with a fitting response and wanting to soothe this new friend about the whole ‘deserving’ debate that rages in all of our minds, I enlisted the help of an ingenious technique that my best friend uses in times of uncertainty and ambiguity with his feelings.
What he does is he turns to the dictionary. The precise definition, the origin of the word gives him cues to what he feels about it or how it is framed in his world. And it worked!
The definition of deserving hinges on ‘being worthy of…’ The Latin root of ‘deserve’ means ‘to serve well, or zealously’.
Put together, to my mind, the answer becomes quite clear - and the insidious logic reveals itself - to be deserving is to be thought of as worthy by the one you serve.
This may have been easily digestible in days of monarchy or in places ruled by a strict god… to me, however, it does not apply. I do not serve a person or a god. At most I would say I serve an idea… more precisely a set of ideas. Following this thread, I have to question - what person would the idea of… say… freedom or equality or natural living hold as worthy and unworthy? There is none that is worthy or unworthy. There are complex people who do complex things.
If you (or rather I since I mostly am talking to myself) think of the self as deserving or undeserving, ponder this - who is dictating worthiness? What idea or, pray tell, what person are you acting in service of? Jesus? Krishna? Moses? You don’t need to comb through the Bible or the Gita or the Old Testament to know what their stance on the issue was. Let me save you (again, I’m referring to myself here) some research - it was kindness. To look upon one’s self, and one’s neighbour (those were the really old timey days) with kindness.
The issue, to me, is that the ideas of capitalism and consumerism do dictate worthiness and often we find ourselves trapped in those constraints - mentally. Freedom within this idea slyly becomes Freedom to “choose” the winner’s product and more often than not Freedom to do what they tell you (this is not my line, it belongs to a most remarkable comic called Bill Hicks). It’s a dire situation. All the same I do believe a more sustainable, greener, more natural system is possible. If not a system for the world, at least a system of thought - within myself. Progress is slow but research and development is ongoing.
This, like THIS!
Not just for physical disabilities but for mental health. Like yes, I am glad that you got the support you needed and with time and meds you were able to contribute just as much as everyone else. But also, if you can’t take the meds, or you take them and they aren’t effective, or you have good days and bad days for the rest of your life it isn’t because you aren’t trying hard enough, and you still deserve the accommodation and compassion you need to get by. It shouldn’t be on some form of arbitrary timeline, and we shouldn’t start this with a metric for, you need to produce this much work to have value.
Stop talking about capability, and start talking about worthiness
disability advocacy went wrong when it became about inspiration porn and “differently abled” and savants. its incredible that that guy with no legs did a triathlon but your sister with no legs will not and she doesnt need prosthetics or five hour training days to deserve respect and compassion and accommodations. its incredible that that autistic guy can look at a city from a helicopter for an hour and then draw the entire detailed skyline from memory when he lands but your autistic friend cannot and they dont need to have a special Autism Power to deserve respect and compassion and accommodations.
activism framed around “we are just as CAPABLE” means that when people genuinely are less capable they are left behind. activism framed around “we are just as WORTHY” is fundamental to radical compassion.
Embracing the Empowering Truth: "I Am Loved" Shaina Tranquilino March 5, 2024
In the vast tapestry of human existence, love stands as a universal force that has the power to transform lives, uplift spirits, and bind us together in a profound way. Amidst the chaos of our daily lives, it's easy to forget the simple yet profound truth that each one of us is loved. This realization, when embraced wholeheartedly, can be a source of immense strength, resilience, and joy. In this blog post, we'll explore the empowering mantra "I Am Loved" and its transformative impact on our well-being.
The Power of Affirmation: "I Am Loved" is more than just a collection of words – it is an affirmation that holds the potential to shift our mindset and shape our reality. Affirmations are powerful tools that help reprogram our thoughts, fostering positivity and self-belief. By repeating this simple yet profound statement, we open ourselves up to the abundance of love that surrounds us.
Recognizing Different Forms of Love: Love comes in myriad forms, and acknowledging the diverse ways it manifests in our lives is essential. From the warmth of familial love to the bonds forged with friends, romantic love, and even self-love, our world is rich with expressions of this powerful emotion. Understanding and appreciating these various forms of love contribute to a more wholesome and fulfilling life.
Navigating Self-Love: Central to the affirmation "I Am Loved" is the concept of self-love – a cornerstone of mental and emotional well-being. In a world that often emphasizes external validation, cultivating a deep sense of love for oneself is revolutionary. It involves accepting flaws, celebrating achievements, and recognizing our intrinsic worthiness of love. Self-love is not selfish; it's a foundation upon which we can build healthier relationships with others.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges: Life is a journey filled with peaks and valleys, and during challenging times, the affirmation "I Am Loved" serves as a beacon of hope. When facing adversity, the knowledge that we are cherished and supported by others can provide the strength needed to persevere. Love becomes a source of resilience, allowing us to bounce back from setbacks with newfound determination and grace.
Building Meaningful Connections: Beyond its impact on individual well-being, the affirmation "I Am Loved" fosters a sense of connection with the world around us. Recognizing the love that exists in our relationships, communities, and the broader human experience reinforces our shared humanity. It encourages acts of kindness, empathy, and compassion, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond ourselves.
In embracing the empowering truth "I Am Loved," we tap into a reservoir of strength and positivity that has the potential to transform our lives. This simple yet profound affirmation serves as a reminder of the abundance of love that surrounds us, both within ourselves and in the world. By incorporating this mantra into our daily lives, we open ourselves up to a deeper understanding of our own worthiness and the interconnectedness of all humanity. So, let us carry the conviction that we are loved and share that love with others, creating a brighter, more compassionate world.