Your value is not in what you do, but in who you are.
I had the honor of attending the annual CMA awards with some friends this past year. The CMA awards are always one of my favorite nights in Nashville: I love pausing and taking time to enjoy hardworking individuals who bring music to life.
On nights like this, you very rarely see competition. In fact, you see quite the opposite. There’s connection everywhere: people showing up from all parts of the world and rooting for each other.
After the conclusion of the show, I was able to spend some time with the nominees, participants, and winners. What started out as a casual night, quickly turned into something more: as I was thrown in the center of the room and prompted to give a speech. I hadn’t prepared anything and wasn’t sure what would come out of my mouth.
But looking around the circle of artists and writers who were celebrating, I was able to speak from my heart.
“You all should feel so proud, to be honored in such a significant way for what you’ve been a part of creating. It’s made such an impact on the people around you. But I offer you this reminder: You are all more than what you create. Our achievements should be celebrated, but they do not define us. We are more than what we accomplish.”
Here is to remembering that your worth is not in your awards: but in your heart and character. Both of which, will outlive all your successes on this earth. We are all human, regardless of what your “awards” may look like: a financial gain, an increase in status, an expensive purchase… what success looks in your life varies across the board.
Occasionally we get so caught up in the chase of our accomplishments, we forget to remember the moments and relationships that matter the most.
I am fortunate to be part of a community that both inspires and encourages me. My hope for you is that you find a similar community if you aren’t already a part of one. I don’t usually share experiences regarding my inner circle, but I thought I’d bring you into the community in hopes that you stick around and receive this message. It’s specifically for you.
