“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Why should I be concerned about how another sees me? What will the approval of another provide for me? Will it increase my knowledge? Will it increase my bank account? What will it give me other than the satisfaction of knowing you approve of me? And if you approve of me, does it even matter?

In most cases, when we think of the word profit we relate it to finance. But, the word also means an advantage or benefit. Which, can be associated with anything in life.

A few days ago, I encountered negativity at work. And to be perfectly honest, I was extremely despondent over the incident. I do not claim to be perfect because I’m not. I acknowledge that I am flawed. However, I take pride in doing my job well and hearing anything to the contrary bothers me immensely.

But, I learned an invaluable lesson through this experience. I also had the opportunity to reinforce things I already knew.

It is vital to have a support system that can and will help you get through difficult moments. But, more importantly we must know who we are. The only way someone can make us feel small is if we give them the power to do so.

This incident reminded me of the words of another former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama.

“When they go low, we go high” – Michelle Obama

And based on my upbringing, there is nothing higher than my beliefs.

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; “- Matthew 5:44 KJV

We all know there are negative people in the world who thrive on making others feel bad about themselves. I strongly believe it is an act of insecurity. But, whatever the reason is – it drives me to be myself proudly even more.

As always, I am sharing to encourage someone else to rise above difficult times. No matter what, hold on to your power – hold on to who you are.

Until the next time, be you and most importantly – love you.

Being uniquely you is being uniquely beautiful.

-B.B.