As time has gone on and I've grown up, I've realized many things along the way. One thing that has come to mind and has been something I use daily in my life is the fact that you are your own advocate. This should play a role in any and if not all situations of your life. Now I'm not saying to get into a fist fight with anyone or anything of that sort, but don't allow someone to put you down. Whether they're a stranger, "friends" or even that one condescending and critical relative. (We all have those)
For example the other day, I encountered a snippy person who had given me instructions for a specific situation. I like to reiterate instructions especially when it comes to medical situations and as I was walking away this person says oh I thought I was pretty clear about the instructions (with attitude but of course) and I turned around walked toward the person and simply said, you were clear on the instructions but I was just double checking, no need for the attitude, you have a great night. Then this person began to look like a little lost puppy backing down from a fight. Don't make snarky comments and give attitude to those who don't deserve it. It literally costs nothing for anyone to just be a nice and decent person. With that, it can be tough to be the bigger person in situations like that because your mind is telling you to cuss this person out but really do you want to stoop to their level? You can easily put someone in their place and be classy about it. Don't get me wrong there are moments where I have had to bite my tongue, and stopped myself from saying things that were not so nice but it's not worth it to let people like that bring you down. They're irrelevant.
In any case if you feel that you have been mistreated and disrespected you have every right to stand up for yourself and do not let anything intimidate you. You have a voice, use it to the best of your ability. Don't let life pass you and put yourself in the situation where you question "Well I should've could've or would've said something if…" No, do not live like that. It won't do you any good. Because you can't live in the past and you can't keep biting your tongue. People, not all but majority will continue to be rude and disrespectful, its life. You are not going to like everyone and not everyone will like you. But knowing that you are standing for something you believe in and are 100% being yourself no matter what, then you have nothing to be upset about. You are who you are. You know what you stand for and having that can sometimes be the most comforting thing.
Usually the people who speak the genuine truth and stick to what they believe in, are the ones not liked by many. We have become a society where we would rather be fed lies and misguided by what we see on social media (Btw, not everything that you see on social media is real) And of course, who wouldn't want to live a luxuries life and have money and "fans" etc but lets not forget to have concrete goals and ambitious. Don't sell yourself short just because these "goals" are what everyone else is doing or interested in. It's okay to pave your own path.
I have literally heard multiple people my age and people that go to my school say they just want to talk badly about others and be famous. Now, I think most people want to be successful in life and want to make something of themselves. And everyone is entitled to want whatever life they want in the future. I just think we as a society could do better by advocating for ourselves and also those who may not have a voice that they can use.
You can be a successful person, a leader and still be able to be a decent human being. We all start off somewhere and that leads us to bigger and greater opportunities. Let's not forget that. Stand for what you believe, be a decent human being and be successful. All three of those things are achievable. Plus, karma will find its way to you. Good or bad karma, I'm a firm believer that things that happen to people happen for a reason.
