Jose Vilson reminded all of us in a post today that we can't let society alone dictate who or what we value. Instead, we have to show recognition to ourselves and others when they add value to our lives and world in any way. We can judge for ourselves what is valuable and what is not. Of course, we can consider society's choices and let those considerations inform our decisions too.
With this in mind, I think that too often we may underestimate the value of what we do because those with greater power in society don't value that effort. Lately, I've spent a considerable amount of time caregiving. As a caregiver, one of my greatest strengths is meal preparation. I am able to cook and create meals that bring a lot of satisfaction and joy to those I care for. Meal preparation is a creative, personal endeavor that many value within the arena of great restaurants or chefs, but not necessarily within the context of caregiving. Yet, I do value this as preparing healthy, nutritious, beautiful meals enriches lives, so while society may not greatly value the role of apt meal preparation in homes or caregiving situations, I do value this and won't underestimate this ability.
Teachers are often underestimated with regard to their value, and then, in turn, many underestimate the daily investments they make to care for and educate children well. We can't allow that underestimation to occur because the deep skill, enthusiasm, and investment that great educators bring to schools is invaluable, but too often taken for granted. We have to rethink what and who we value in schools, and educators everywhere cannot underestimate the great work they do for society today and into the future.
Too often, people long oppressed because of their gender, culture, race, geography, religion, or class may underestimate who they are and what they can do simpy because those in power over time have taken them and their roles for granted--they've undervalued those people, and in turn those people have undervalued who they are. This cannot continue. Don't underestimate what you can do. Continue to build your capacity in ways that matter, and value what you do.