When I wrote The Divided, I introduced many new characters who were not a part of my previous novel, inDIVISIBLE. One, who I'll simply call J, said, "I have this crazy idea that everyone on this earth has value."

I believe it.
Sometimes it's difficult to see that value, but everyone has it, and when you find it, you find something precious.

Working in retail has taught me a lot about people and life in general. I've learned that yes, each person who walks through the door has something to offer the world ... and each person who walks through the door has something they're yearning for. Usually they yearn for someone or something to connect with ...

I love to connect with these people. I enjoy hearing about their lives, their interests. It's fun and insightful.

And as I look for the good in each person who walks through the door at work, I find I nearly always like them instantly. And it's an attitude I try to carry with me, one of finding the good in each person who surrounds me ... because it's there ... and if nourished, it will grow and change others for the good.

And as I search for the good, the value, in each person I encounter, I feel peace.
And that makes me realize my own value.
Value doesn't have to be earth-shattering. It doesn't have to be something that creates a celebrity or can only come from the famous. In fact, it's often the little things a person does that adds value to the world, like the woman who complimented a complete stranger and brought a smile to her face ...

I try to add value by making people feel special, like they're worthy of undivided attention, because they are. Each and every one of us deserves to be listened to, catered to on occasion, and befriended.

I read a book shortly before I began my new job that accentuated this idea of value within each of us and it changed the way I look at each person I meet. I feel it will make me more successful not only at work, but in my personal life.

Because when we find value by habit, we recognize goodness. We strive to find true beauty ...
                               And that in itself is quite valuable.