Fight For Yourself

Fight For Yourself

That may sound like quite the harsh declaration, like I’m saying no one should aid you in your struggles or that you should not expect or seek aid when you need it, but that is not the case.

Perhaps “advocate for yourself” would be more accurate, but it certainly wouldn’t sound as cool would it?

A wise person once said “take care of yourself as though you were someone else taking care of someone they love.”

Now that is a bit if a mouthful but the crux of the idea is the truth that many people fight harder for others than they do themselves. An affront they would accept if suffered personally they would not allow for others. Insert the “He asked for no pickles” meme here.

This self care can take many forms but in this missive I’m thinking chiefly of self advocacy. I have mentioned before that it is important you count your victories and successes, no matter how small so that you understand that you have victories and success. Alongside that, however, is championing those success and your actions to others.

Yes, one must be careful not to cross into narcissism and ego but I feel like the kind of person who needs to hear this is in little danger of crossing that line.

You work hard, you suffer too many indignations and it is easy to overlook someone who quietly does what they should. However such a person should not be overlooked. You should not be taken for granted. Be it your boss, your lover, your family, or yourself. Especially yourself.

It is not hubris to recognize your worth. It is not hubris to refuse to be taken advantage of. Sometimes being treated fairly and rising to your full potential starts with you putting your foot down and making sure other recognize your contributions. And sometimes the first person you must make recognize your contributions is you.

Thank you my dear readers, I hope this missive finds you well and is helpful.

Thank you and God bless;

~S. Wallace