Explore the transformative insights that helped me realize that dignity isn’t just a concept — it’s an intrinsic part of our identity waiting to be uncovered. Revised Part 1
I am 80 years old and have had many careers over the years, moving from and out growing each one, for many different reasons. Looking back, it was always for a feeling of self-worth and a sense of dignity in what I had been doing. Maybe I did not know exactly the intrinsic reason for each move but in retrospect it was always for a feeling of not being respected for what I had accomplished in each position. Many times, after I had left someone would tell me how well things had been when I was in charge, or they never knew how much I was doing for the organization. We are collectively experiencing that feeling of being unappreciated for what we bring to the table, that those at the top have a right to garner all of the benefits just because they were cleaver to gain all their wealth by hook or by crook. Mostly crook lately! We have to take it all back.
James, thank you for sharing your perspective and experiences—your words resonate deeply. The connection you’ve drawn between self-worth, dignity, and the acknowledgment (or lack thereof) for one’s contributions speaks to a universal struggle many face.
What you’ve articulated reflects themes I’ve been exploring in my recent posts and writing. The way history and systems have shaped how we communicate and value one another plays a significant role in this collective sense of being unappreciated or undervalued.
Your reflection adds so much depth to this conversation, reminding us how important it is to honor dignity and respect in all we do. Thank you for putting this into words with such clarity and conviction. 🌟
Thank you for this series, but this piece in particular. This theory of dignity and intrinsic value gives me a lot of hope as I’ve come to fear or believe (not sure which) that those things had been beaten out of me while I was too busy trying to be good enough so my mom and a couple of boyfriends would like me better to even notice I was disappearing. Maybe I didn’t disappear. I just wish I had the energy to try therapy. My resilience is a little sapped.
Anyway, I’ve subscribed. How lucky I am to have happened upon your writing in my Christmas/Hanukkah Substack perusals.
Ruth, thank you so much for sharing your experience here—it means a lot. What you’ve written resonates deeply, and I want to affirm that your dignity and intrinsic value were never lost, even in the moments when they felt invisible. They’ve been there all along, waiting for you to reconnect with them.
If therapy feels too daunting right now, maybe starting with reflections like the ones in this series could be a gentler path toward reclaiming that sense of self. Though I had outside help, I would have never gotten to the point of healing I am now without daily self-reflection, journaling, and many embodiment practices. Listening to what my body was telling me—after having lost access to myself and my needs—was paramount in reestablishing that connection. Your story sounds quite familiar in that sense.
I’d also recommend reading the second part of this Essay about shame and Breaking the Cycle of Oppression, where I share my personal story—it might provide some hope or validation as you navigate this journey.
I’m so glad you found your way here. Please take care of yourself, and know that even small steps toward reclaiming your energy and resilience matter.
Jay - thank you for another illuminating piece. A few years ago, I purchased a URL, knowing it had something to do with the way I would eventually be in service. That URL is alivewithdignity. So, your piece was a gentle reminder that I am living into that mantra, reclaiming my worth, when I am true to who I am. Be well, my friend.
Susan, thank you for sharing this beautiful reflection. The URL you chose, alivewithdignity, carries such profound meaning—it feels like both a declaration and a guiding light. Living into that mantra and reclaiming your worth by staying true to yourself is such a powerful journey. I’m honored my piece resonated as a gentle reminder of your path.
And since Part Two of the series on dignity and toxic shame is now out, I’d love for you to read it—it might offer further reflections as you live into alivewithdignity. Wishing you continued clarity and strength as you embody this truth. Be well, my friend. 🌟
Thank you for suggesting I give this a read Jay. There is a lot to take in here but, essentially, I resonate with your experience of being removed from own sense of inherent dignity. I was definitely raised with a strong sense of the unquestionable dignity of each and every human being - what a beautiful thing to remember and to know I have the capacity to reconnect with 💜
Sarah, I’m so glad you took the time to read it. That deep, unquestionable dignity—when it’s taken from us, it can feel almost impossible to reclaim. And yet, knowing it was once there means it can never be fully lost. You *do* have the capacity to reconnect with it. That truth is yours, always. 💜
This is a beautiful piece Jay. I resonate with that feeling, the realization that your dignity is in you already and always has been. It's not something you have to strive for. That feeling of relief and freedom you describe when you have that realization - I've felt that too.
Serena, I appreciate your words. Realizing that dignity was always mine—untouched, unearned, undeniable—shifted everything. It wasn’t something to strive for, just something to uncover beneath the layers of conditioning and survival.
That relief, that freedom—it’s profound. Knowing you’ve felt it too makes this all the more real.
“What would I create if fear didn’t hold me back?”
A wonderfully powerful question, Jay.
Thank you for this insightful dive into the concept of dignity. It was so nice to actually hear your lovely voice after reading your beautiful words on Letters from Love. ❤️
Cathryn, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment—it means the world to me. That question has been a cornerstone in my journey, and I’m so glad it resonated with you too.
I’m touched that you enjoyed listening to the essay about dignity. It’s wonderful to reflect on how Letters from Love started our connection and to see it deepening here. I truly appreciate your kindness and presence. Wishing you endless courage to explore and create. ❤️
I am 80 years old and have had many careers over the years, moving from and out growing each one, for many different reasons. Looking back, it was always for a feeling of self-worth and a sense of dignity in what I had been doing. Maybe I did not know exactly the intrinsic reason for each move but in retrospect it was always for a feeling of not being respected for what I had accomplished in each position. Many times, after I had left someone would tell me how well things had been when I was in charge, or they never knew how much I was doing for the organization. We are collectively experiencing that feeling of being unappreciated for what we bring to the table, that those at the top have a right to garner all of the benefits just because they were cleaver to gain all their wealth by hook or by crook. Mostly crook lately! We have to take it all back.
James, thank you for sharing your perspective and experiences—your words resonate deeply. The connection you’ve drawn between self-worth, dignity, and the acknowledgment (or lack thereof) for one’s contributions speaks to a universal struggle many face.
What you’ve articulated reflects themes I’ve been exploring in my recent posts and writing. The way history and systems have shaped how we communicate and value one another plays a significant role in this collective sense of being unappreciated or undervalued.
Your reflection adds so much depth to this conversation, reminding us how important it is to honor dignity and respect in all we do. Thank you for putting this into words with such clarity and conviction. 🌟
Thank you, we need more people to realize that they have worth and are worthy of being recognized and valued by society.
Absolutely, James
Thank you for this series, but this piece in particular. This theory of dignity and intrinsic value gives me a lot of hope as I’ve come to fear or believe (not sure which) that those things had been beaten out of me while I was too busy trying to be good enough so my mom and a couple of boyfriends would like me better to even notice I was disappearing. Maybe I didn’t disappear. I just wish I had the energy to try therapy. My resilience is a little sapped.
Anyway, I’ve subscribed. How lucky I am to have happened upon your writing in my Christmas/Hanukkah Substack perusals.
Ruth, thank you so much for sharing your experience here—it means a lot. What you’ve written resonates deeply, and I want to affirm that your dignity and intrinsic value were never lost, even in the moments when they felt invisible. They’ve been there all along, waiting for you to reconnect with them.
If therapy feels too daunting right now, maybe starting with reflections like the ones in this series could be a gentler path toward reclaiming that sense of self. Though I had outside help, I would have never gotten to the point of healing I am now without daily self-reflection, journaling, and many embodiment practices. Listening to what my body was telling me—after having lost access to myself and my needs—was paramount in reestablishing that connection. Your story sounds quite familiar in that sense.
I’d also recommend reading the second part of this Essay about shame and Breaking the Cycle of Oppression, where I share my personal story—it might provide some hope or validation as you navigate this journey.
I’m so glad you found your way here. Please take care of yourself, and know that even small steps toward reclaiming your energy and resilience matter.
Jay - thank you for another illuminating piece. A few years ago, I purchased a URL, knowing it had something to do with the way I would eventually be in service. That URL is alivewithdignity. So, your piece was a gentle reminder that I am living into that mantra, reclaiming my worth, when I am true to who I am. Be well, my friend.
Susan, thank you for sharing this beautiful reflection. The URL you chose, alivewithdignity, carries such profound meaning—it feels like both a declaration and a guiding light. Living into that mantra and reclaiming your worth by staying true to yourself is such a powerful journey. I’m honored my piece resonated as a gentle reminder of your path.
And since Part Two of the series on dignity and toxic shame is now out, I’d love for you to read it—it might offer further reflections as you live into alivewithdignity. Wishing you continued clarity and strength as you embody this truth. Be well, my friend. 🌟
Thank you for suggesting I give this a read Jay. There is a lot to take in here but, essentially, I resonate with your experience of being removed from own sense of inherent dignity. I was definitely raised with a strong sense of the unquestionable dignity of each and every human being - what a beautiful thing to remember and to know I have the capacity to reconnect with 💜
Sarah, I’m so glad you took the time to read it. That deep, unquestionable dignity—when it’s taken from us, it can feel almost impossible to reclaim. And yet, knowing it was once there means it can never be fully lost. You *do* have the capacity to reconnect with it. That truth is yours, always. 💜
This is a beautiful piece Jay. I resonate with that feeling, the realization that your dignity is in you already and always has been. It's not something you have to strive for. That feeling of relief and freedom you describe when you have that realization - I've felt that too.
Serena, I appreciate your words. Realizing that dignity was always mine—untouched, unearned, undeniable—shifted everything. It wasn’t something to strive for, just something to uncover beneath the layers of conditioning and survival.
That relief, that freedom—it’s profound. Knowing you’ve felt it too makes this all the more real.
It is profound. Thank you for reminding me of this. It can be easy to forget sometimes.
“What would I create if fear didn’t hold me back?”
A wonderfully powerful question, Jay.
Thank you for this insightful dive into the concept of dignity. It was so nice to actually hear your lovely voice after reading your beautiful words on Letters from Love. ❤️
Cathryn, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment—it means the world to me. That question has been a cornerstone in my journey, and I’m so glad it resonated with you too.
I’m touched that you enjoyed listening to the essay about dignity. It’s wonderful to reflect on how Letters from Love started our connection and to see it deepening here. I truly appreciate your kindness and presence. Wishing you endless courage to explore and create. ❤️