Embracing the Value Within

DR. ROXANNE M. ST. CLAIR on seeing the value in you—and in others—and making it a daily practice.

What if, each time you encountered someone, you sensed their real value—and they yours?

In this 8.2-billion-piece jigsaw called life, every piece is significant. Some are big, some small, and there are a variety of shapes and tones. That is the beauty of the puzzle; having a complete picture requires all of the pieces. In times such as these, when self-comparison keeps our joy from growing, it is mindful to remember that you were born with your own unique gifts and talents. Yes, you may have similarities to someone else, but there is an element of you that is your special contribution to humankind.

The Heart of Value

When I created The Value In You® cards, it was with a single intention: to remind people of their innate worth. Too often, we are conditioned to measure value by external standards, titles, possessions, achievements, likes, or followers. Although recognition and concepts of success have their place, they are not the true essence of who we are.

Value is not something you earn; it is something you embody. It lives in the quiet moments of kindness, the listening ear, the creative spark, the unshakable resilience you didn’t even know you had until life made it necessary.

Value is not something you earn; 
it is something you embody. 
It lives in the quiet moments of kindness, 
the listening ear, the creative spark, 
the unshakable resilience you didn’t even know you had 
until life made it necessary.

I remember a conversation with a leader who was exhausted from carrying the weight of responsibility. She felt overlooked and undervalued, despite her consistent contributions. I invited her to reflect on one key question from the cards: “What is the gift that I bring to others”? Her response was not about her role or her status; it was about her ability to bring calm in times of chaos. She realised that this quality, often overlooked by her, was what others relied on. That shift in perspective did more than renew her energy; it gave her permission to see herself differently and, in turn, to treat herself with more compassion. It also boosted her confidence.

This is the heart of value. It’s not found outside of you. It’s a part of you that just needs you to own it.

Health, Wealth, and Relationships: The Three Pillars of Value

When we truly embrace our value, it transforms the way that we live. It flows into every aspect of our lives, shaping how we relate to our health, wealth, and relationships.

Health:

“Taking care of your health, mind, body, and spirit,
is the best way that you can serve yourself and others.” 

-The Value In You®

Our bodies are the vehicles through which we experience life. Yet, how often do we keep pushing them, skipping rest, numbing pain, and neglecting nourishment because we forget to value ourselves and prioritize our well-being? When you know your value, you treat your body as a sacred vessel, not an afterthought. Self-care becomes non-negotiable. Acknowledging your worth in this way helps you make choices that strengthen and sustain you, so you can be and give more. You give your best.

Wealth:

“Your wealth goes far beyond your finances; your knowledge and the
people in your life are all part of your wealth, for they contribute to
the experiences that enrich you.” 

—The Value In You®

Wealth is often reduced to numbers in a bank account. But true wealth is rooted in gratitude, resourcefulness, and the ability to use what we have for meaningful impact. When you recognise your value, you stop chasing worth through material comparison and instead find fulfilment by doing and being a part of things that bring you joy.

I have seen people who do not have much still live a full life because they know the value of community, kindness, and creativity. And on the other hand, I have seen some with financial abundance live in scarcity and loneliness because they do not believe that they are enough. Wealth without value feels empty; wealth aligned with value feels expansive.

Relationships:

“The quality of your relationship is a reflection of the effort put in by both parties… A relationship is a two-way medium that requires conscious input.” 

—The Value In You®

At its core, value is about awareness, not just of self, but of others. Relationships flourish when we see the humanity, the gifts, and the worth of the person in front of us. Imagine the transformation in families, workplaces, and communities if, before every conversation, we silently reminded ourselves: This person has value, just like me.

This simple shift changes the tone of the interaction, softens or avoids conflict, and opens the heart to compassion. It moves us from judgment to curiosity, from competition to collaboration. After all, every jigsaw piece connects to another. Without those connections, the picture remains incomplete.

Starting Your Day 

How, then, do we remember to own our value in the rush of daily life? This is where mindfulness and Heartfulness come in. I have found that one of the most powerful ways to do this is to set the tone for your day, rather than letting the day set the tone for you. Imagine beginning each morning not with your phone or thinking about your to-do list, but with a few minutes of silent gratitude. My first thought on waking is, “Thank you for the grace of a new day!” This is a reminder to me that I still have a difference to make in the world, so even if it is something small, I can still make a difference today. Quite often, it might just be smiling at a stranger on the way to the station.

During the Day

Throughout the day, notice the “lens” through which you see life. Consider, “Am I judging, criticising, comparing, or am I appreciating, learning, and looking for the lesson?” Shifting from judgment to appreciation softens the heart and reconnects you with value, both your own and others’.

End of the Day Reflection

To decompress from the day, before going to sleep, take a few minutes to journal. Some questions that you can consider are:

1. How did I honor my value today?
2. How did I recognize the value in others?
3. What difference did I make today?
4. What will I carry forward into tomorrow?

This gentle reflection closes the day with awareness, gratitude, and peace.

I have found that one of the most powerful ways 
to do this is to set the tone for your day, 
rather than letting the day set the tone for you. 
Imagine beginning each morning not with your phone 
or thinking about your to-do list, 
but with a few minutes of silent gratitude.