I used to be someone who was willing to just sit in the background and allow others to disregard my potential. I was the girl who was content in being quiet and not speaking up. I would allow others to define who I was and would not correct them otherwise. I would let the opinions and beliefs of others dictate who I would become. But, over this past year I have learned the importance of being your own advocate.

I have learned that sometimes the words of others, though said with good intentions, are not always helpful. But rather, they cut deep. And although they may have not meant for them to, they cause you to question everything. You question your abilities, your passions, and the path which you have decided to take. Over time, I have begun to realize that sometimes it’s better to disregard the words of others and their support, if the support they wish to give is done with the wrong intentions. Sometimes it’s better to step away from the person and learn to be your own advocate.

Being your own advocate is not easy and at times you’ll feel completely lost. You will run into roadblocks and dead-ends, but in the end, you will have gained a greater understanding of yourself. When you finally speak up and standup for yourself, you will finally begin to see the enormous amount of potential you have. Learning to be your own advocate causes you to gain a sense of confidence in your potential. So, although it may be difficult, in the end, stepping up and being your own advocate will reignite that flame that had slowly begun to dwindle as you quietly sat back and let the words of others define you.

I know it’s difficult to break away from the background. It’s hard to step up and walk away from the person who was supposed to be a support for you. But, you must be reminded of this, your potential is beyond measure. And when it becomes too much, when you feel lost, God’s got your back. When the weight of being your own advocate becomes too great and there is no one left to turn to, turn to Jesus. Turn to the one who will use your potential, your dreams, your abilities, and your passions to further His Kingdom.

Now after all of this, I am not saying shut everyone out. Do not burn the bridges between you and others who wish to support you with honest intentions. But rather, I am saying that it is better to politely walk-away from those whose support of you is done with the wrong intentions. And most importantly, whether you have an enormous amount of support or crave support you’ve never been given, Learn To Be Your Own Advocate. Please never become content in being quiet and not speaking up for yourself. Take it from someone who has been that girl for far too long.