"I got my own back." Maya Angelou
Throughout the week, I provided emotional support to a distressed friend who was experiencing mistreatment in her workplace. Once again, some colleagues were engaging in two prevalent forms of unkindness: the "damned if you do, damned if you don't" mentality and exclusionary behaviour. It is disheartening to witness such unkindness among individuals. Rather than uplifting one another, some individuals exclude those they perceive as different or unworthy.
In my life, I have been fortunate to have the love and kindness of my family, friends, and colleagues surrounding me. My parents instilled in me the importance of recognizing my worth and never tolerating disrespect. They taught me to advocate for myself and others. Sometimes, I had to vote with my feet and walk away when my requests were not honoured and education failed.
Regrettably, during the final years of my professional career, I found myself among unsupportive individuals who lacked leadership qualities. I experienced firsthand the emotions of disrespect, deception, false accusations, unfairness, and unkindness that I had previously supported others in dealing with throughout my career. It was a profound lesson that reminded me of the importance of advocating for my hula hoop and seeking what is just and respectful. Living life over cancer, I make it a priority to surround myself with kind and confident humans.
Do you have a hula hoop? If not, I ask that you create one and draw a line around it. Then, move forward by protecting it, educating others about it, and refusing to let anyone step in it that makes you feel uncomfortable, sad, and/or undeserving. Inform family, friends, and colleagues of your hula hoop and show them that you are keeping stress at bay with self-respect, respect for others, and respect for humanity.
You are worthy!
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