Sticks and Stones
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.
Are you familiar with that melody?
My friends, cousins, and I sang it as little kids. We sang it whenever someone said something meant to be hurtful.
Little did I know that as an adult we would still have to live by the song.
I was recently reminded of that little ditty from my childhood.
Hurtful Words, No Worries
I was minding my own business, headed back to my office when a slender gentleman wearing a workout outfit stopped me. He wanted to know where the welfare building was. I had no idea, therefore I politely responded, “Sorry, no.”
Simple exchange, right?
I thought so too until…
I turned to continue to my office when he said, “Thanks.”
But oh, he did not stop there…
“You have a big ass”, he said.
Someone else may have found his words flattering, but I most certainly was not. His words hurt. I felt violated. Little did he know, he touched on very sensitive area with me.
Even as a skinny kid, I had a big backside. I was skinny enough for slim jeans from Sears, but because of my hinny I required “regular” sized jeans.
Now, as an adult I workout with a personal trainer who incorporates squats of various forms into our leg routine.
Let's just say my backside is a bit “shapely.”
No matter how much that man's words hurt, I did not allow his words to devalue me by turning me into an object.
But this post is not about arguing about the size of my backside.
This post is about what we said as kids. Don't allow words to hurt you to the point that you think less of yourself.
Know Your Worth
This time it was someone talking about me physically.
Another time it could be about my character, how I speak, or my beliefs.
You see, I know, and likely you know too, on life's journey there will be naysayers and dream blockers who will knowingly, or possibly unknowingly, harm you with their words.
No matter. I know my worth.
Know Who Holds the Power
Do you know your worth?
In case you don't, please know this: your power comes from your thoughts, not the thoughts of others.
This reminds me of something Rev. Al Sharpton said to the congregation on Father's Day. He said, “If you don't think great, you'll never be better than you are now.”
The same holds true for what people say about you. If you do not realize the power you have over yourself, you will never know or live your worth.
Words Can Hurt You But Don't Allow Them to Devalue You
Therefore, know your worth. Think good of yourself.
Do not spend your days trying to prove your worth to anyone. The only one who needs to know your worth is YOU.
Rise up everyday knowing you are worthy. You are of value. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.
What about you? How to show that you know your worth? Share in the post comments.