You Are Enough: Believe You Are Loved and Valuable

This touching tale tells of how a mother says, “You are enough.” (Author unknown)

I met her in her seventies at the airport, a woman whose presence carried the quiet weight of decades lived fully, yet gently. She was saying goodbye to her daughter, who had just announced her departure.

Standing near the security gate, they hugged. The mother said, “I love you, and you are enough.”

The daughter replied, “Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. You are enough, too, Mom.”

They kissed, and the daughter left. The mother walked over to a nearby window, where I was seated, her steps measured yet heavy with emotion.

I could see she wanted and needed to cry.

I hesitated, not wanting to intrude, but she welcomed me in with a gentle question,

“Did you ever say goodbye to someone knowing it would be forever?”

“Yes, I have,” I replied.

“Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever goodbye?”

“I am old, and she lives far away. Life has its challenges, and the next trip back will likely be for my funeral,” she said.

Understanding What It Means to Know You Are Enough

“When you were saying goodbye, I heard you say, ‘you are enough.’ May I ask what that means?”

She smiled softly, the kind of smile shaped by decades of life’s lessons.

“That’s a wish passed down through generations. My parents used to say it to everyone. When we said it, we meant the other person should have enough love, enough resilience, and enough joy to carry them through life. Not perfection, but balance, and the wisdom to know their own worth.”

Then, as if reciting from memory, she shared:

• Sunshine to brighten even the darkest days
• Rain to help appreciate the sun
• Happiness to keep the spirit alive
• Challenges that make small joys greater
• Gains and losses that teach appreciation
• Meaningful hellos for every goodbye

She paused, tears brimming.

“Life is fragile,” she said, “but knowing you are enough allows you to meet each day without fear or regret.”

How Long Does It Take to Realize You Are Enough?

They say it takes;

• a minute to meet a special person
• an hour to appreciate them
• a day to love them
• an entire lifetime to truly understand your worth

Remembering this brought back memories of expressing love, gratitude, and appreciation for my father.

He, who believed in my dreams and gave me my first typewriter to write my stories.

The value of hope, encouragement, and personal growth is immeasurable.

Especially when one has lived enough years to reflect on lessons learned and paths chosen.

Living Fully: Embrace Self-Worth in Midlife

Take time to live. “Life, like any work of art, needs thought,” said Albert Camus.

For those of us in our forties, the pressures of career, family, and daily responsibilities can feel relentless.

Meeting someone in her seventies showed me the quiet power of knowing I am enough.

It has changed how I face challenges, nurture relationships, and grow through life’s changes.

Learning, showing appreciation, cultivating gratitude, and embracing love all reinforce that you are enough just as you are.

Life is not measured only in accomplishments, but in presence, compassion, and the courage to keep growing.

Take Time to Love

Love is cultivated slowly and gently. Actions speak louder than words. Children, pets, and adults alike feel it when we show care and attention.

When someone lashes out or withdraws because they feel unloved, we teach love through patience, gentleness, and meaningful actions. True words are not always sweet, but actions always reveal the truth.

Your impact on the world is significant whether you know it or not. You are significant. You are enough.

Embracing Life Fully in Later Decades

As we grow older, it becomes even more important to honor ourselves, nurture our passions, and cultivate meaningful connections.

Knowing you are enough allows you to approach each day with confidence, gratitude, and love.

Take time to care for your body, your mind, and your heart.

Celebrate achievements, embrace imperfections, and continue learning.

Life is not about perfection—it’s about growth, presence, and purpose.

Every stage of life brings new lessons and opportunities.

When we truly accept that we are enough, we no longer seek constant external validation.

Instead, we can embrace the richness of our experiences, the depth of our relationships, and the quiet joys that make life meaningful.

You are enough. You are loved.

Every day is an opportunity to live fully, for yourself and for those around you.