The Right Place Values You the Right Way (But How?)
I recently came across a story shared by keynote speaker and bestselling author, Heather Monahan. It's one of those powerful narratives that stays with you long after you hear it. Here's what she shared:
“A father said to his daughter ‘You have graduated, here is a car I bought many years ago. It is pretty old now. But before I give it to you, take it to the used car lot downtown and tell them I want to sell it and see how much they offer you for it.’
The daughter went to the used car lot, returned and said, ‘They offered me $1,000 because they said it looks worn out.’
The father said, now ‘Take it to the pawn shop.’ The daughter went to the pawn shop, returned and said, ‘The pawn shop offered only $100 because it is an old car.’
The father asked his daughter to go to a Classic Car/Antique Car dealer and show them the car. The daughter returned and told her father, ‘They offered $80,000 for it because it’s an iconic car and sought after by collectors!’
Then the father said to his daughter, ‘The right place values you the right way. If you are not valued, do not be angry, it means you are in the wrong place. Those who know your value are those who appreciate you…Never stay in a place where no one sees your value.’
Never stay. Move on…”
This story hit home for me because...we all go through life not knowing if we are meant to do something, and when we are 100% sure it is worth our effort and time, boredom or frustration often ensues.
In my first "real" job after college in 1999, I landed a dream salary of $60,000 at a web agency with the History Channel as a client. It felt amazing for a young 20-something-year-old, but after a year, the disconnect was undeniable. It wasn't the right fit, and I knew I needed to move on. So, I consciously gave them all the reasons to let me go.
Similarly, for over a decade, I poured my heart and soul into a passion project. While it offered valuable lessons, the partnership eventually turned sour. Despite the warning signs, I stayed. I knew it was time for me to leave, but I didn't. Eventually, the group disbanded.
These experiences taught me a valuable lesson: the right place values you the right way.
Five years after beating cancer, I took the leap and ventured out on my own. I pursued countless coaching certifications from prestigious universities, including the crème de la crème board-certification in wellness coaching, authored 2,000+ interviews with thought-leaders and experts on inspiring topics like cancer survivorship, resilience, and longevity, celebrity coverage from TV and film, media visits from Italy to India, launched a bestselling book, and even conquered my fear of public speaking by gracing the TEDx stage (over 60k views and counting!).
LinkedIn recently reminded me of my four-year anniversary as an entrepreneur. Heather's story felt incredibly timely. It's a reminder that you are allowed to change your mind, direction, and spread your wings.
For a long time, my focus was on bringing my cancer survivor community together. I interviewed 200 survivors on the road to remission. I wanted to carry the weight of their pain and help them on their journeys forward. However, sometimes you can give and give, but those who can't or don't know how to receive will never value what you gave them.
In all these instances, I take responsibility. Perhaps speaking up, having more courage, or setting boundaries would have made a difference. As the great poet Maya Angelou would say, “When you know better, you do better.”
This message is a reminder to listen to the stirrings of your inner compass — your head 🧠, heart 💓, and gut🤰. Your path might seem unconventional to others, even yourself at times, but ultimately, we answer only to ourselves.
Here's to the dreamers...
Here's to the restless souls...
Here's to the starry-eyed children who refuse to settle...
Here's to the risk-takers who chase their passions...
Here's to all of us who know that every revolution around the sun is a precious gift and should never be taken for granted...
With love and endless possibilities to you all…
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