A lot of us are having tough times today. There was an article on the front of the NY Times this morning about the trauma of being in a terrible "recession".  People who have worked hard all their lives are losing their jobs, their ability to feed themselves, and their homes.  Maybe, the recession is even harder for those than it is for the poor. The poor have always been poor and have figured out how to manage.  But for those that have managed to be middle, middle-upper, or even upper income for a period of time, the loss can be devastating, even traumatic.

I watched a show on Oprah! where Lucy Ling went to the shanty towns in California and interviewed some of the people. Many were middle aged, and parents.  Most of their kids didn't even know their parents were there.

This is a time that calls for tremendous compassion, not just for others, but for ourselves. If you are some of those who are struggling to make ends meet, or worse, you are simply unable to do it at all and lose everything, its vital that you keep an awareness of your value in the midst of it all. 

In this country in particular we tend to equate value with our financial worth. And while dollars can be evidence that we are producing value, it doesn't mean we are worthless.  Each of us, even when we temporarily, or even permanently find ourselves unable to produce income, have value.  We can contribute to the world by being who we are. 

I recall a client of mine who had a neighbor who was a total hermit. But once in a while she would come out and speak with my client and they shared a love for romance novels.  My client found it very touching and meaningful to connect with this woman, even though the woman probably had no idea she made any difference.  We can't fully know or judge our own value. 

Try to remember that the next time it feels you have nothing to offer anyone.  Trust me, we ALL (even me) go through that delusion from time to time.