I've always stood by the quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that states "no one can make you feel inferior without your consent". I really do believe this. You would have to give up a part of yourself in doing so and I don't wish to ever give up a part of myself to anyone. The stakes are too high and the rewards are nil. At the same time words can still wound and they can still upset someone. It is our choice on what we decide to do with the hurt feelings that have happened. I know for myself that I struggle to not be upset. I'm working at not internalising what others say to me.

When I internalize what others say to me I'm not letting them make me feel inferior but rather not letting them take up space in my head. When my feelings are hurt or I get my back up I try to (key word try! I'm only human) take the time to meditate and reflect on exactly why I'm feeling the way I do. Is it something that can help me grow and learn about myself? Will it make me a better person? Or is this person projecting their own insecurities and faults on to me? Either way by reflecting on my hurt feelings I end up with a better understanding of myself. I know I want to make a conscious effort to use my words in a more positive way. Yes, I like to argue and like to rant about things but I should be able to do so in a more positive manner. Right? I can at least try and that is more than I have been doing.

Words in general are powerful. We really need to may a better effort at using them in ways that don't make someone feel less than or inferior. Even though Roosevelt's quote says otherwise many people do not have the ability to self-reflect or the ability to let things slide so that they don't give away their consent to feel inferior. As a parent my words can either build my children up or it can crush them. I think it would be a lot easier for my children to hold on to their hypothetical consent if they have grown up knowing that they will not be belittled or made fun of. No one deserves that. EVER.

I wanted to write a blog about words and intentions but it didn't really work out that way.