Self-worth

I have a tendency to wrap my self-worth up in someone or something else. Recently, I thought I was doing well with this. I wasn't gauging myself by my husband's or friend's behaviors. I was feeling pretty good in my skin. Then, I got a C on a paper in one of my classes (I'm in graduate school) and I, quite literally, fell apart. Now, granted, this occurred on the first day of my period, so I was highly emotional, but I was in tears when I received the grade. SO upset, I could barely focus for the rest of the evening (and I had more work to do!) And the thoughts of worthlessness, of giving up, of just crawling into bed, all came rushing in. When I was finally done dealing with these feelings (after my husband lovingly made me dinner and put on one of our favorite movies to watch with me), I realized the next day: I'm putting my self-worth into school. I've judged myself based upon my grades.  But, I've also been spoiled by my intelligence. Thus far (and I'm over half-way done), I've had to only really buckle down on school in small increments, for maybe a week or two at a time. This quarter, things are different - and I am feeling quite burnt out on school this quarter - so the C has taught me that I need to step it up. I can't relax, yet and in fact, I need to push myself a bit more than I usually do. 
 
All in all, this a good lesson for me. I cannot rely on external things to define my self-worth. And I cannot ignore my consistent need for personal growth. Things happen for a reason. After the smoke has cleared, I can see the lessons and I am grateful. Now, back to work!