How To Protect Your Life’s Most Valuable Asset

This post is brought to you by TAL

If someone asked you “what is your most valuable asset?”, what would you answer?

Is it your home, your car, your collection of first edition books or a family heirloom? Is it your engagement ring, your bank account or your share portfolio?

Well, try the question another way. Turn to a loved one and ask, “what is my most valuable asset?”

I can guarantee that their answer will differ significantly from yours.

They might answer something like “your loving nature”, “your willingness to give”, “your incredible compassion” or “your smile that lights up my world”.

Do you see where I’m going with this?

Assets are not always about material possessions. In fact, our most valuable assets are the qualities in us that encourage, inspire, teach and connect us with others. When I saw this beautiful and moving video created by Australia’s leading life insurer, TAL, the message in it really made me stop and think. I think it will also inspire you to consider that very first question through a completely different lens.

So, let’s answer that first question again. “What is your most valuable asset?”

The most valuable asset I have is me. Do you agree or do you find it hard to believe?

In my twenties, before getting married and having a child I would definitely have agreed. All I had to think about was myself. Furthering my career, studying more, exercising, exploring the world, going out, and meeting new people.

Fast forward five or ten years and I believe that on the day I became a mother for the first time, I lost some of my self-identity. I am sure many women out there will agree.

Suddenly you have this tiny, defenceless little baby who is 100% reliant on you to live. They are always hungry, tired or need a nappy change. One day blurs into the next, especially in the first couple of months. Your whole world is consumed by your baby and little by little, parts of yourself get buried underneath the mountain of washing and nappies.

You do break through the other side eventually. You finally sleep more than 4 hours in a row, or you have a wonderfully kind friend who offers to look after your baby while you get your hair done or even just take a long shower.

Those part of ourselves that we thought we had lost begin to emerge again. I really believe that parenthood is one of the most important times we need to place a great value on ourselves.

But how do we value something that is essentially invaluable?

I think it is taking the time to nurture yourself. Find something that you love to do and prioritise it. Be proud of yourself and your accomplishments, large and small. Share your wins with others.

Just as important as valuing yourself, help others to see the value in themselves, too. Don’t be afraid to tell someone else that they are doing a good job, that they are an amazing parent, that you love them, that you’re proud of them, that you are so grateful for their friendship or that they are a great colleague.

One of my favourite quotes is from John O’Leary’s book On Fire. “Shine your light so that you can illuminate the darkness in others”.

It’s no secret that the most important part of life isn’t the things we own, but the experiences we share with the people we love. That’s why TAL do what they do and protect what matters most, so that you and your family have the life that you planned, no matter what happens!

To learn more about the Value of You or how you can protect what matters most, visit the TAL website.

Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney, she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

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