You are worth more than how you are being treated; remember that.

Plenty of young women, such as myself, often times forget that we have the control of seeing ourselves as valuable, strong, and worthy of being loved. Although, for some reason we give that control to others, telling us what to feel, look, and act like all in hopes to gain approval. More often than not, women feel as though we are constantly forced to follow a hidden rulebook while at the same time, walking on eggshells to avoid any sort of power struggle with society. Now, before I propose my thesis-- I must state that I understand that we are all human, and with that, it is fathomable how people tend to retaliate when they feel challenged or upset. However, what is not acceptable is personally attacking someone to make yourself feel strong and in control of the situation at hand; that is low and despicable. When those you once loved and trusted turn and begin to wrongfully label you deceitful, hypocritical, contributing everything in their power to make you feel worthless. These are moments when it can be hard to love yourself, protect yourself, value your self-worth. These are the moments that make or break someone’s perception of self-worth, and this is where things need to change.

When moments of weakness and conflict seep through the cracks of the once stable foundation, we as women try so hard to build, we start to internally crack at our core against the negativity being forced at us. However, I am here to tell you something. I am here to share that you are stronger than a label, a word, or an action. You are stronger than an angry ex who provokes you to look down upon yourself with disgust; you are worth more than that heartbreak. You. Are. Worth. More.

Our parents do their best to raise daughters to be strong, independent young women and for their sons to be respectful, uplifting young men. I know that when I am a mother, I will instill the worth of women to all my children. I never want my daughter or son to be a victim or contributor to any patronizing action making someone question his or her own value. It saddens me how a women’s self-worth is so incredibly hard to build—years in the making to get in that place in life, but at the same time can be ripped to shreds in a matter of a few careless words or sentences.

We as women are encouraged to grow up and take the world by storm, become the first women president, be CEOs of our own businesses and never back down. And while majority put on a good face, we cannot help but admit to having those days where your confidence valleys rather than peaks. Maybe it is caused by societies misconstrued mindset that it is better to burn bridges and cut ties, severing once strong relationships in the most demeaning way possible rather than find an alternate way of coping.

For any woman or man questioning their value, I cannot emphasize that you are so much more than what he said or how she made you feel. Take it from someone who has had the worst thrown at her, the best weapon anyone could ever have for themselves is knowing their self-worth.