One of my greatest struggles is taking my own advice. On a regular basis I offer up all sorts of 'words of wisdom' to those I interact with daily. Over and over again, I tell people: have confidence in yourself; stand up for yourself; be open and honest with others; make your actions align with your values; and don't put yourself in a situation where you're undervalued. All to often I also say, "Take your own advice."
What do I fail to do?! Take my own advice. I let others make comments that discredit the time and work I have out forth. I put others, their needs and their self-value before myself. I all to frequently don't stand up for myself and lack confidence in my abilities. I choose not to be honest, because of fear. I fear my honesty will hurt someone else's feelings rather than only me being brought down. I allow myself be undervalued by others comments.
And, let's be real, if I cannot verbalize that which is really upsetting me, I sure as heck will not write it. Putting it in writing would make it real. I would have to deal with it. I would have to face the truth and confront the problem. That's too hard. Too many feelings would be hurt. Instead, I'll say a prayer and hope I don't crack under pressure.
