What are you needing to hear?

I was with my kids the other day and, oh man, their instructor looked tough. He was covered in tattoos and colorful language rolled off his tongue. 

Despite his tough exterior, he was a kind, caring man that wanted nothing more than to empower our 3rd and 6th grade girls sitting before him so they would know how important, deserving, and unique they are. 

The girls in my Girl Scout troop wanted to learn Krav Maga, which is a military and self-defense fighting system developed by the Israeli Defense Forces. They took a self-defense class that left them wanting to know more about how to protect their personal well-being and safety. 

As he was demonstrating ways to protect and defend themselves against an assault he said something to the girls that made my eyes well up with tears. 

“You are uniquely you. You can never be replaced. You are the only you. That right there makes you special.”

I think the girls heard but not the way I did. 

It was a much-needed reminder about valuing myself, loving myself, and giving myself grace. 

I realized that on so many occasions I take myself for granted. I don’t pour into myself the way I do my kids, my husband, and my pets. 

I hope his words touch you in the same way they did me. 

You too are uniquely you and can never be replaced. You are the only you. That right there makes you special.