Am I Loveable? What My Story Taught Me About Worth, Fear, and Being Enough
“Am I loveable? Is what I have to offer—is who I am—worth it?”
These questions have followed me—quietly, consistently—through many seasons of my life.
They don’t always show up boldly. Sometimes they whisper in the background: in moments of self-doubt, fear of rejection, or silence after vulnerability. They’re especially loud when I forget to be intentional about how I view myself.
As someone living with cerebral palsy, it’s been easy to fall into the trap of thinking that my differences make me less valuable. But thankfully, I didn’t grow up in isolation. I was raised in a home where love was modeled, not just mentioned—and that foundation made all the difference.
A Foundation of Unconditional Love
My parents rarely pushed or pressured me. They didn’t try to shape my path for me. I was naturally driven to do the right thing, to meet expectations—both theirs and mine.
But I never did it out of fear. I did it from a place of security.
My dad often worked evenings, but when he was home, he was fully present. And every night, my parents would sing me to sleep. To this day, I still hear Dad’s voice in my memory:
“Sam’s my little boy. He brings me lots of joy. I love you.”
What a gift—to be loved like that from the start.
The Power of Encouragement (and a Few Participation Trophies)
Yes, I got participation trophies. I know it’s a controversial topic—but hear me out.
These trophies weren’t about shielding me from disappointment. They were about celebrating effort, not just outcomes. They were about acknowledging that even if I couldn’t always win by the world’s standards, my work ethic mattered.
And that kind of encouragement helped build the confidence I needed to keep showing up.
Finding a Place in the Game
I couldn’t play competitive sports the way I wanted to. But I still found a way to be close to the action.
For years, I served as the public address announcer for four or five teams every season. My parents were always by my side. My mom would help prepare pronunciation cards. My dad kept stats at the scorer’s table.
Their presence reminded me: I belonged, even if I contributed differently.
Love, Longing, and Fear of Rejection
In high school, I kept myself busy enough that dating didn’t really enter the picture. But in college, longing for connection grew stronger.
My parents didn’t pry. They didn’t offer unsolicited advice. They just stayed available—emotionally and practically.
I still remember my dad giving me a ride home from a “non-date date.” The relationship didn’t last, but what stuck with me was this: he was there when I needed him. And that meant everything.
From Longing to Love: Facing New Fears
Eventually, I met my wife, Kayla.
As our relationship deepened, so did my fears. When you’re dating, it’s natural to question, “Am I enough?” But in marriage, that question only gets louder.
“Do I have what it takes?”
Love is beautiful. But it’s also vulnerable. It invites growth and forces us to examine the fears we carry—especially the fear that we might not measure up.
Once again, my parents responded with encouragement, perspective, and support—not pressure.
The Ongoing Work of Believing You're Enough
Even now, as an adult, I have to stop and remind myself of some key truths:
I am not disqualified because of my disability.
My value is not defined by what I can’t do.
I am loved.
I am worthy.
I am enough.
These are affirmations I pass on to others in my coaching and speaking because I know how many people carry the same hidden questions I do.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re lovable, whether what you bring to the world is valuable—let me say it clearly:
You are.
Not because you’re perfect. Not because you’ve “proven” anything. But because love is not something we earn. It’s something we were meant to receive—and give.
Final Thoughts: Where Do You Find Worth?
Your journey might look different from mine. Your fears might stem from different places. But we’re all connected by the universal human need to feel seen, valued, and loved.
We all need people who remind us that we belong.
We all deserve the chance to believe that we’re enough.
Let’s build a world where that belief isn’t the exception—but the norm.
Let’s Keep This Conversation Going
🔁 If this message resonated with you, please consider sharing it or tagging someone who might need to hear these words today.
💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts:
What helps you believe you’re enough?
Who helped you see your worth when you couldn’t?
Drop a comment or reach out—I’d love to connect.
Sam Miller
Speaker | Coach | Author of I'MPOSSIBLE and I'MPOSSIBLE JOURNEY
Founder of Dreaming Made Simple
#SelfWorth #DisabilityAwareness #GriefAndHealing #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealthMatters
#Resilience #LoveAndBelonging #CoachingWithHeart #EmotionalWellness #DreamingMadeSimple