A seasoned mentor once gathered a group of aspiring individuals for a workshop on self-worth. To drive home his point, he held up a sparkling gold coin in front of the captivated audience of 150.
With a smile, he posed a question, “Who among you would like to own this magnificent gold coin?” Instantly, hands shot up, enthusiasm filling the room.
The mentor, with a twinkle in his eye, then revealed his plan. “Before I give it away, let me do something,” he declared. Taking the coin, he deliberately scratched it against the rough surface of the wall, leaving a small mark on its pristine surface.
“Now, who still wants it?” he asked, expecting a few hesitations.
To his surprise, every hand in the room remained steadfastly raised. Intrigued, he took it a step further, tossing the coin onto the floor, letting it get scuffed and dirty. Retrieving the coin, he displayed its now less-than-perfect appearance.
“Does anyone still want it now?” he inquired, anticipating some reluctance.
Yet, once again, every hand stayed raised, unwavering in their desire to possess the coin.
The mentor paused for effect and spoke with wisdom, “Ladies and gentlemen, embedded within this simple gold coin is a profound lesson. Despite the scratches and scuffs, its intrinsic value never diminished. Similarly, in the face of life’s trials, setbacks, and challenges, your intrinsic value remains unchanged. Just like this gold coin, each of you is priceless. Remember, no matter what happens, you are special, irreplaceable, and your worth is unwavering!”
The room absorbed the lesson, leaving everyone with a newfound appreciation for their enduring value, irrespective of the scratches and scuffs life may bring.
