Stand for Something

When I was 13 I had a bookmark with the "Teen's Creed" on it.  It had a list of wise things for a teenager to believe or follow.  I kept it by my mirror and read it often.  The only statement I remember from that bookmark came at the end: "Stand for something or you'll fall for anything."

As a teenager, I needed that statement.  I needed to be reminded to stand up for myself.  If I didn't, I would get trampled. If I gave in to one thing I didn't believe or didn't want to do, it would be easier to give in to another.  The worse part is that people know they won you over and they will be even more relentless in the battle in the future.  It was a good reminder that it was okay to stand up for what I believed in.

I still need that statement.  As an adult, I need to be reminded that I am my own advocate.  I am the only person who can communicate my needs or desires to those around me.  They can't read my mind. They can't see what I see.  They can't feel what I feel.  I have to communicate.  I have to speak my mind, hopefully in patience, kindness and love, and share what is going on with me or I get trampled. Those around me will begin to think they can say what they want and do what they want and I will lay down and be their door mat.

In some areas of my life, I acquired the strength to stand up for what I believe in and what I need.  In some areas of my life, I still have too much fear and I let people walk over me.  I want to be able to say that I always stand up for myself, that I always make my needs known.  I'm not worried about falling for things, I'm worried about falling and getting trampled.