We always tell ourselves we are never enough. We aren't pretty enough, we aren't smart enough, we aren't skinny enough, we aren't good enough. We believe those little lies. They take root in the depths of our soul and we allow them to grow. We even let the negative words of other carry weight.
Two years ago, I read an interview with the actress, Sophia Bush, who decided her mantra would be "Let it be enough." Whatever you do, whoever you are, just let it be enough. It resonated with me.
So when my mom, who is the most amazing woman on Earth with a heart and soul of absolute gold, asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I told her "I want a Giving Key and I want it to say 'I'M ENOUGH'". I told her why, to which she said, "Forget being enough, from the day you were born, you have always been more than enough. You have brought such joy to my life and your dad's life. You make us better people. You are kind, smart, and beautiful. You are more than enough."
My cousin recently celebrated her 50th birthday. She has always struggled with feelings of inadequacy. Never feeling quite enough. We flew to New Jersey for her birthday party and she confessed that for the first time in a long time she felt really good about herself. She has a good job, a great husband, and she was surrounded by the people who love her dearly. I saw a woman transformed.
I realized I knew what her gift had to be. I wanted her to remember that moment. To remember that feeling of self-love, self-acceptance, and self-worth. So, I gifted my key to her. I also bought myself a new key with the same words. I wanted to continue to embrace my words, my mantra, so that I would always remember no matter what, I am good enough. I am more than enough.
-Shana
