Worthiness-word origin. Worth and worship both come from Old English weorth, worth value. Worship is composed of this word weorth, worth, + ship (a suffix meaning condition, office, etc. as in friendship and sportsmanship), hence worship was originally the condition or office of being worthy, worthiness, dignity. This use is still found in the title worship, as in Will your worship take tea now? From this use worship then came to mean homage, as given a deity. Although, it is foolhardy to expect people to worship you, it is a nice concept to remember. You are worthy of being worshipped-for the most part it isn't plausible.

What is your worth? What is your value? To whom do you have worth or value? To thine own self be true. Most people base their worth or value by deriving it from those around them. This is a false and empty standard by which to measure our worth or value. For many denying the truth abounds. The truth is - our worth or value is best measured by our own yardstick. Many people would rather wallow in self-pity than accept the power within that we own our self-worth. We are all responsible for ourselves. We are the only ones who can walk through our doors and if we don't see ourselves as an open door, we will just close it and continue to live life in the state of suffering that unconsciously we believe is our fate.

One of the greatest misconceptions for women is that they believe they must suffer in life. Women suffer by changing for another human being's happiness, accepting abuse in their lives, allowing their children to witness or be a part of abuse, and suffering in the form of not loving themselves enough to take command of their worthiness. We can all think that we would be better if we went through some horrible travesty. People fail to realize that they have already put themselves through a horrible travesty by not allowing themselves to be the yardstick of their own worthiness. Many people do not believe they deserve love or prosperity. Even though they might pray for love, health and wealth, they continually doubt themselves and ignore their divine guidance capabilities so that they can enjoy their self-worthiness. Thus, they actually get what they asked for: an abusive relationship, a lack of money and a complete feeling of unworthiness. At the time they do not realize that they are creating what they received.

So what prompts so many people to believe that worthiness is only given to a select few? There is nothing wrong with feeling worth. The problem lies in not realizing that you ARE worthy. You need to consider yourself worthy in EVERY fashion possible and never accept anything less than what you deserve. Since love is the one thing everyone deserves, let's say you are looking but can't seem to achieve it. I can promise you, you are not asking for it. You are asking for what you do not want, rather than telling yourself who you deserve to have in your life. Until you realize you need to accept and deserve your worthiness you will not get who you deserve.

Realize and understand that YOU and you alone make the final decisions in your life. If someone looks good on the outside and they seem to be just what you have asked for take a look at their inside. Do they use alcohol to excess or uses drugs-yes, pot is a drug. Don't overlook the fact that he or she mistreats their mother or father. Is there really a good reason for them not seeing their children? Do they look you in the eye when they talk to you? Did they cheat on their wife/husband, significant other? Do they tell you all the terrible things they used to do to their ex's? This does not make them your friend because they have confided in you about their past transgressions. This is a red flag. Don't believe they have changed without any type of outside help. Also, avoid making the biggest mistake most people make, thinking that they won't treat you the same way. If a person doesn't love, respect or regard themselves worthy, they won't treat you any different than themselves or the ones before you.

It is easy to find someone to love. It is even easier to find the right person who is worthy of your love and who will return it, because they know you are as worthy as they are.

Clues of Inner Peace/Worthiness

1. A habit of thinking and acting spontaneously rather than from fears based on past experiences.

2. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.

3. A lack of judging oneself.

4. A lack of judging others.

5. A lack of conflict.

6. A lack of interpreting the actions of others.

7. A lack of worrying.

8. Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.

9. Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.

10. Frequently smiling through the eyes of the heart.

11. Increasing susceptibility to love extended by others as well as the urge to extend it.

12. Allowing others to be, except in situations when your boundaries are transgressed or your feelings or needs aren't heard.

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD specializes in: Mind, Body, Spirit healing for Individuals, Special Issues and Professional Coaching. As an inspirational leader, Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.gen-assist.com