Dolly Parton, the living legend, stands tall at 5 feet, 0 inches, but her presence is so big, you could spot her from space. Renowned for more than just her country twang, business savvy, sense of humor, and iconic big um, hair, Dolly has imparted a standard of thinking from which we can all benefit. She is the epitome of embracing oneself and living up to one's standards. Jolene may be able to take Dolly's man, but she'll never take Dolly's self-worth.
Here are the top 3 things Dolly has taught us about self-worth.
1. Search for the Good
As Dolly so eloquently put it, “I ain’t glad all the time, and I won’t even try to be because that would make me a narrow person. But I do try to search good in every individual.”
Searching for the good in someone else or a circumstance may seem nice to others, but really, it's a wildly powerful tool. When we look for the good, we choose happiness. We are flexing the emotional muscle to choose a good mood over a bad one. While the concept of embracing positivity has encountered skepticism in recent times, Dolly's message resonates as a beacon of truth. Seeking the best in people and situations isn't about masking genuine emotions or perpetuating false happiness. Rather, it entails a nuanced approach of recognizing and accepting the full spectrum of human feelings, while actively building a habit of joy and upliftment.
Let me explain. In moments of adversity, such as the loss of a loved one or the upheaval of a job, we experience extreme, often unpleasant emotions such as sadness, fear, anger, anxiety, etc. These emotions are important. Life is a tapestry of experience and emotion. To live life fully and to move past the situation, it's imperative to allow oneself the space to process, grieve, and feel. Feeling these feelings evolve you. As you feel, you grow and gain depth through the acknowledgment of these strong emotions. It's a beautiful and human experience.
However, amid everyday life, instilling a habit of seeing silver linings and positive attributes becomes a transformative practice that makes one happier and more confident. By consciously directing our attention toward the good, we begin to see our power. We see that we have the power to choose our mood. And in that moment, we are no longer a victim being tossed around by the waves of life. We stand firmly in our good mood. This creates self-worth, self-respect and happiness.
Dolly's teachings are reminiscent of the power of suggestion, prayer, and the law of attraction. All of which highlights the benefits of cultivating a positive outlook and actively searching for the good in life.
2. Believe in Yourself
Dolly says, “You need to really believe in what you’ve got to offer, what your talent is-and if you believe, that gives you strength.”
Indeed, self-worth blossoms in the presence of self-belief. One way to cultivate this skill is by journaling. Grab a Blank Slate Journal or even your notes app. Write down all of your strengths. By looking for what you're good at, you'll inevitably start seeing more of your strengths. The act of documenting talents reinforces one's capabilities and potential. As each strength is committed to paper, it becomes a testament to the unique gifts and qualities that make each individual extraordinary. As you do this practice, notice how you feel. Let the strength and self-empowerment flow through you.
3. Owning your Individuality:
Finally, Dolly advocates for the power of being your authentic self. As she's said, “Figure out who you are, then do it on purpose.”
We aren't the same person we were a year ago, a month ago, or, heck, even a couple of weeks ago. With each interaction, with each experience, we are always changing and evolving. Get to know yourself over and over again. This is when journaling really comes in handy.
As you reflect on your life, you may decide a change is in order. When that happens, Dolly says, "If you dislike the path you are walking onto, build yourself another one.”
In a world that often dictates who we should be, Dolly Parton teaches us to search for the good, believe in ourselves, and own our individuality.
One last quote from Dolly Parton,
“The magic is inside you; there ain’t no crystal ball.”
3 styles, all equally beneficial. These 120 page paperback journals are perfect for your new chapter, your immaculate unfolding, and your clean slate.
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