i've given away enough

a while ago, and after a difficult day, a friend of mine posted a story -- more of a micro-parable, really -- she'd been told about self-worth.

the gist of it is as follows:

when we're born, we're all born with a bucket filled with gold. and, throughout our lives, people will try to take that gold from us, one piece (or many pieces) at a time. our job is to keep the gold thieves away, to protect our gold and not let anyone steal any of it.

i found the lesson profound and strangely moving, and sent my friend a message telling her so.

i added that, for me, the problem isn't other people taking my gold, it's me giving it away... or even throwing it away... all on my own.