Today's Mighty Oak

"Stand for something or you will fall for anything. Today's mighty oak is yesterday's nut that held its ground." - Rosa Parks, civil rights leader

Holding my ground was never my strong suit. I was much better at agreeing with whomever was standing next to me at any given time. I rarely had an original opinion about anything because I was afraid that someone wouldn't like me. So, my answer to this dilemma was to keep quiet and agree with the majority opinion in any group setting at all times.

Needless to say, this did not work for me. I found myself getting resentful much of the time, I didn't have many close friends, and I lost my identity in the process. I had absolutely no idea who I was or what I wanted to do with my life. I had been so busy pleasing others that I got lost in the shuffle.

It has taken me some time but I have learned how to express my opinions without any fear of losing a friend. I can express my thoughts and ideas in a kind and compassionate way so that we all respect each other when we spend time together. I am standing for me now and it feels good. It took a lot of practice  - I didn't just wake up one morning and change instantly. It was a process just like everything else I've done in my life.

I'm grateful to have come this far in learning how to be with others without losing my identity. Some day I hope to be a might oak!