Hey there First name / you!
If you're anything like me, when you're sick or tired, you aren't as productive. When I find myself in these states, I also start getting down on myself about all the things I could (or even that silly word, SHOULD) be doing but I'm not doing. I feel like a useless and worthless blob taking up space on this Earth.
Here's the thing. Not only is this ableist, it's just not true.
Just like you wouldn't call this sleepy koala worthless for taking its nap, I'm guessing you wouldn't label a disabled human less worthy because they can't produce as much as an able-bodied person. In fact, you might not even see what they CAN do and create because of their perspectives.
This is where worth is confused with capacity.
What's capacity?
Capacity is what you're able to do or what you're working with. This can be mental, emotional, physical, and financial. We all have with different abilities, strengths, challenges, joys, pain, and financial means. It doesn't make any of us better or worse than another. And yet…
When we have less capacity than before…or we just can't do as much or as well or as “perfect" as someone else, our worth often shrinks with it. BUT, this is not a direct relationship! Our worth stays the same regardless of our capacity.
Here's a visual that shows what I mean:
