You Matter
Posted on 18. Jul, 2012 by lollydaskal in Blog, Lead From Within, Leadership Development, Personal Development

YOU MATTER!
Before you brush that simple statement off, please stop.
Listen. Drink it in. Believe it.
And it’s not just you that matters.
It’s everything you do, everything you think, every decision you make, and every action you take.
They all matter because you matter.
I remind you of this because before you can lead others you must be able to lead yourself.
You must value yourself.
You must respect yourself.
You must understand and believe this simple truth if you are to truly make a difference.
To lead effectively, we must first master self.
But for so many of us, this mastery of self does not come easily.
We must work at it.
It might mean we experience some trial and error. It will definitely mean we actively take steps toward greatness.
Self mastery is not something that can be mimicked. It must be achieved by doing the work.
You must work first to discover who you are and then to embrace yourself.
Mastery of self is gained by understanding the art of our selves and the science of our leadership.
Mastery of self means you recognize that you contribute something unique and powerful to this world.
Is it a specific practice you’ve perfected?
Is it a talent or skill that comes naturally?
Is it a desire or commitment that you hold close to your heart?
What makes you you?
What makes you uniquely qualified to lead?
We must understand who we are to MAKE a difference.
We must understand who we are to BE the difference.
That is how we best contribute to the world. That is why our unique leadership matters.
Once you have uncovered what it is that makes you you, that special something must be nurtured. It must be practiced everyday. It must be cultivated.
Because, for most of us the question is not, “Will I make a difference?” The true questions are, “When will I make a difference?” and “How will I make a difference?”
If you are questioning your leadership, your purpose, or whether you can make a difference, your unique answer lies in who you are.
The answer you are looking for begins within you.
Lead From Within: The difference you are meant to make starts by discovering who you are meant to be.












Dave Carpenter
18. Jul, 2012
Lolly
Always enjoy your very thoughtful posts. This could well be your most important ever.
I appreciate all that you do to make this a better world, for all of us.
lollydaskal
18. Jul, 2012
David,
You always touch my heart with your KIND words and BEAUTIFUL soul.
I am one of your biggest fans!
Lolly
Al Smith
18. Jul, 2012
Love this Lolly. Every time I see “You Matter” I think of Angela Maier’s incredible Ted talk and her movement.
This is similar, yet different and you nailed it. As usuual.
Thanks again for all you do to inspire and influence positive change. Not just for leaders, but for all who choose to truly take a look at themselves.
Take CARE.
Al
lollydaskal
18. Jul, 2012
Before your time Al I had a radio show called YOU MATTER its been a subject very close to my heart for years now. I believe in the message and want everyone to believe it too.
Thanks for stopping by.
You are the best. You Matter.
Lolly
john paul
18. Jul, 2012
I know ALL about that Radio Show – it was FANTASTIC, Lolly.
You Matter!
Robin Easton
18. Jul, 2012
Dear Lolly,
What a powerful sharing!! I got shivers reading these lines:
“Once you have uncovered what it is that makes you you, that special something must be nurtured. It must be practiced everyday. It must be cultivated. ”
I am an author. My book “Naked in Eden: My Adventure and Awakening in the Australian Rainforest” was published late 2010. I also have done much blogging and so on, but I am realizing that as much as I love, LOVE, the people who have come into my life, and as much as I love blogging…I realize that my true passion is being “with” Nature.
I LOVE, with a passion, nature photography and Nature film making (am working on a film about the ways that we perceive Nature and then a look at the possible new ways of seeing and experiencing Nature). Also working on a new photo-blog.
Something I’ve had to embrace in myself (and it was initially hard to see and then do) is that as much as I LOVE writing and blogging, etc., it is seriously detrimental to my health for me to be indoors all day and in front of a computer screen and online, as a way of life, as a profession. (Although I will probably still finish my second book at some point.)
I’ve spent much of my adult life in the wild, so you’d think I would already know this, that I HAVE to be in Nature, every day. But I am SO open to life and all new experiences—very adventurous—that I just dove into writing, computer, online as a whole new adventure, and it WAS….
….BUT, I am realizing that what makes ME special is my daily, constant connection to Nature, being IN and WITH Nature, my deep understanding and connection with Nature, and the need for Nature in all our lives.
So your above dynamic lines just really went in DEEP and helped me to further claim who I am and what makes me special. AND…that it is okay, and not only okay, but ESSENTIAL that we BE and LIVE who we really are, we live that specialness.
You are a treasure discovered today, and I am very grateful for the gift you have given from your heart.
Thank you, beautiful soul.
Robin Easton
lollydaskal
19. Jul, 2012
Robin,
You Matter!
You are truly a beautiful soul. Thanks for your kind words.
You are the treasure.
Lolly
Michelle Morris
18. Jul, 2012
Lolly,
YOU Matter!
I have been changed by your leadership, wisdom, courage, kindness and love. Thank you for being one of my sages! You and the rest of the #leadfromwithin family are precious to me.
Michelle
lollydaskal
18. Jul, 2012
Michelle
Your words moved me.
We are inspired by each other. The #leadfromwithin family is very special just like you are.
You matter today, yesterday and tomorrow.
Lolly
lollydaskal
19. Jul, 2012
Michelle,
You Matter!
We have grown together learned together and loved together
Thanks for being part of the #leadfromwithin family
Lolly
Peter Abraham
18. Jul, 2012
Lolly, in an age where you have the government telling you that you don’t matter, and others chiming in that you are replaceable, it is nice to read your article challenging each of us to look within to see both potential and what’s already present that is a gem.
Thank you.
lollydaskal
18. Jul, 2012
our function as human beings is bring grace to this world and to be of service to each other.
lollydaskal
09. Aug, 2012
A soul needs a purpose to live and so I concluded that my purpose is to MATTER as much as I can.
lollydaskal
09. Aug, 2012
Once you start recognizing the truth of who YOU are meant to be live it. You Matter!
Katherine
18. Jul, 2012
Thank you for sharing this. This applies to all of us and is worth spending some time thinking about.
Andy Bradley
18. Jul, 2012
Dear Lolly,
Thankyou for leading from your self and for being who you are and for standing for what you stand for.
I stand for compassion and work with leaders to create compassion which starts with themselves.
I would love to hear your thoughts on these short films about what we do and who we are.
http://www.frameworks4change.co.uk/
and
Everybody Matters is here
http://www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk/strategy-group/everybody-matters-film/everybody-matters.html
shows what happens when people no longer matter.
We imagine a world of compassion in which people when vulnerable can rely on others to be kind.
Would love to join forces in some way if this vision resonates with you
with heart
Andy
Leo
18. Jul, 2012
I like @dscofield Dad’s philosophy. “Look in the mirror.” Yes, you are the captain of your soul. Great post @Lollydaskal and a conduit from #leadfromwithin.
lollydaskal
09. Aug, 2012
LOOK IN THE MIRROR… and celebrate what you see.. Beauty!
Sebastiao Sidonia
19. Jul, 2012
Dear Lolly, I have been reading your though almost a month ago since I joined twitter, I have no words to thanks you for great changes you have created on me .
There is always lesson learned on your topics which is helping me to manage my daily task at work and my family life as well.
I am not an English language native speaker but I will do my best to evaluate my English skills and follow as much I can your topics
lollydaskal
09. Aug, 2012
Your greatest self has been waiting your whole life; don’t make it wait any longer. Be what you are meant to be… YOU MATTER.
Laura Morris
19. Jul, 2012
Hi Lolly
I love what you have said here. Everyone has a unique and special gift to give the world. It’s up to us to not only figure out our gift and give it to the world, but, to be there for others, listen and show a sincere interest at all times, and have an open heart to receiving the gifts of the people around us. It’s so important to make people feel like they matter, especially our children and teenagers.
The bullying that is going on in schools is at an all time epidemic, and #don’tquityoumatter and #youmatter is an online movement to bring awareness to teen suicide as a result of bullying. When I saw this article in my RSS feed I immediately thought of that.
Thanks Lolly…
Maliheh Mahdavi
19. Jul, 2012
Dear Lolly ,
Thank you for sharing this . I love this.
lollydaskal
19. Jul, 2012
Maliheh,
Thanks for your kind words.
You Matter!
Lolly
lollydaskal
09. Aug, 2012
Life is filled with so many unanswered questions, but it is the courage to seek those answers that continues to give meaning to life.
Seek it.
Share it.
Sing it.
Why?
Because You MATTER.
Patrick Robeck (@TrvlPat)
19. Jul, 2012
Having chatted with you for over a year now, I know that you truly believe what you are saying, and that is true leadership from the heart. Thank you for reminding people of their importance.
Love, Pat
lollydaskal
19. Jul, 2012
Patrick,
We have known each other a whole year and we have grown as heart leaders.
You Matter.
Lolly
lollydaskal
09. Aug, 2012
Accept yourself, your strengths, your weaknesses, your truths, and know you have EVERYTHING you need to fulfill your purpose.
Erich Nolan Bertussi
19. Jul, 2012
I am very glad, very glad, I caught this post.
ENB..//
lollydaskal
19. Jul, 2012
Erich Nolan,
I am so happy you stopped by. Always glad to see you.
You Matter!
Lolly
lollydaskal
09. Aug, 2012
it does not matter what you did or where you were..it matters where you are and what you are doing … sing the song of your heart and sing it loud.
john naddaf
20. Jul, 2012
hi lolly,,love your post,,,,
and cant resist your tweets,i always like to add to them,,,thats because they always inspire me….
thanks,,,
lollydaskal
09. Aug, 2012
your purpose of life is to find your passion and give your whole heart and soul to making a difference.
Karen Magnuson
20. Jul, 2012
So glad I discovered you on Twitter. Love the positive nature of this post, especially on a day with such bad news emerging from Denver. Thank you!
lollydaskal
09. Aug, 2012
The purpose of life is to be honorable, be humble, be happy. To make a difference is know you
have lived a life of purpose.
Maliheh Mahdavi
20. Jul, 2012
Lolly , I admire and appreciate you for this post. Awesome as always.
Maliheh
Ellen Weber
21. Jul, 2012
Thanks for this inspired post, Lolly. Love your reminder that “before you can lead others you must be able to lead yourself.”
What a life venture – and yes, “we must first master self.”
If mastery came easily, this blog would be unnecessary. It is not only necessary – but instructive! Bravo!
Can you elaborate a bit more on your sense of: “Mastery of self is gained by understanding the art of our selves and the science of our leadership.” Since I’ve written articles on the delight of integrating art and science as you suggest here – I’d value your insights as they relate to this excellent post.
Stay smart – Lolly – and keep nudging us all to mastery!
Best blessings! Ellen
JJ Ruescas
21. Jul, 2012
Totally “Like”. It was read in the precise moment I required.
Thanks Lolly.