Do not talk to me like that. I deserve better. I want there to be more to my life than this. These are the statements I have made at least once in the last six months. I have been trying to acquire the skills and strength to stand up for myself. I have been discovering my self worth.
People do not always do or say the right things all the time. We all make mistakes. We are only human. There is, however, a fine line between unintentionally and intentionally hurting someone. It does not necessarily have to be physical harm, but hurtful language can be just as painful if not worse.
Sometimes it is not always easy to recognize when wrong is being done. A lot of times it comes from the people we least expect, or even care about the most. At times, pain is developed in different forms. Pain does not necessarily mean that there is blood, broken bones or bruises. The pain needs to stop! We cannot always control our surroundings or what people will say to us. We can, however, control our reaction to what happens. When wrong is done, it is important to address it, but in an appropriate manner.
First thing to keep in mind when standing up for one self is knowing what you want and deserve. Recognize your self worth! Know that you are strong enough to speak up for a life not filled with sorrow and pain. When you stand up for yourself be respectful, calm and direct. You have the most strength when you stay in control. It is not always easy to stand up for yourself, but it is definitely a much needed skill to have. I can guarantee that you will have to do it more than one time in your life.
I have been in multiple positions in my 20 years of living where I felt upset and angry, feeling like life was just hating me. I truly believed that I just had to wait for the storm to pass through. I remember one night when I was crying myself to sleep, and I thought how I wish I could change my situation. Oh, how I wished I could be someone different. Then, it hit me. Why do I need to stop being me? Just because people cannot appreciate the things I have to offer does not mean I need to live my life so upset, or wish not to be me at all! Screw the haters. I realize that was aggressive, but sometimes that is what needs to happen when you allow yourself to be walked all over.
I took some time to recognize my value in this world, to myself, my friends and family. I came to understand that I need to change how I am treated if I do not like it. I deserve to be talked to respectfully, loved unconditionally, not judged, appreciated, valued, worried about, happy for,and cherished, etc. Things started to change. I cannot say it happened all at once, but soon after the way I viewed myself changed for the better!
People will treat you bad, and I am sorry for that. Take the pain and sorrow as a lesson. Do not just live with it. Change it. Everyone deserves to be happy no matter what the circumstance. Breathe. In and out. Go stand up for yourself! I believe in you.
