I often like to think of our world as an ‘ecosystem’, but not in the way that the word is commonly used. I believe that in this world that we’re living in, each of us plays a very important role. Through the use of our talents, our skills, our gifts we make the world a better place. Without the contribution that we add, the world is missing something so incredibly unique and beneficial. For the past few months, I’ve been doing student placement at a youth drop-in centre – and more than ever, I stand behind the idea that each of our lives matter and all of us have the potential to make a difference.

When we want to give up

I’ve gone through dark periods in my life when I wanted to give up. When I believed I was worthless and had nothing to offer this world. It took me a long time to change the way that I felt about myself.

Some of you may be able to relate to that feeling. To that feeling of emptiness and hopelessness. To the feeling of not caring where your life ends up.

In my time working with young people, I have been filled with so much hope for the future. I have met kids who are determined to have a say, who are passionate about their community, who have so much potential. Yet, as a mother of three young children, it breaks my heart to know that half of them don’t even realise any of this. That these kids don’t see how absolutely amazing they are.

All of our lives have value

Photo Credit: David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Whether you’re a rubbish collector, a hairdresser, a doctor, or in whatever else occupation – I believe that your life has immense value. That you are contributing to the world in your own unique way.

Don’t get caught up in believing you’re ‘less intelligent’ or ‘less talented’ than someone else – intelligence and talent can exist in many forms. And more importantly, life isn’t about comparing ourselves to others. It’s about being the best possible person that we can possibly be.

The world needs you

Every morning that you wake up, you have the opportunity to make a difference. Whether this difference is through your job, your study, your life as a stay-at-home parent, or simply by smiling or being there for someone – all of it matters.

No matter where each of us is in our journey of life, we are all essentially in the same boat. We all have challenges. We all struggle. We feel pain and disappointment.

So, if your life hasn’t been going too well lately, know that you’re not alone.

If your life isn’t going in the direction that you want to, remember that you have the power within you to change that.

Believe in yourself. Acknowledge and celebrate your successes. Don’t beat yourself up over your mistakes. Have the courage to get back up again.

And take comfort in knowing that even when you feel ready to give up, the world isn’t ready to give up on you.

Thuy Le (formerly known as Thuy Yau) is a freelance writer and Youth Work graduate living in Perth, Australia. She loves to share her own personal experiences about overcoming adversity, as she believes that human beings are more capable than they realise. She writes to make a positive difference in the world and to inspire others to learn from themselves and their own experiences. Her writing has been discussed on radio, won writing contests, appeared on The Huffington Post UK and major Australian sites such as news.com.au, SMH, Kidspot and Essential Kids. She has just completed her first book – a memoir - and is on the search for a publisher.