By: L. Shay Rokhold
You Design Your Destiny
Take a look at your life. Are you where you thought you’d be at this stage in your life? Did you become the astronaut or ballerina you had hoped you’d be?
All of us take detours. No one has a straight path to success. Many of us head into absolute disaster territory at some point in our lives. You are never lost. You are only taking the scenic route. The key is to make sure you change your direction and not feel trapped by your decisions.
What is the one thing you can do today to get back on course?
You Teach People How to Treat You
Did you know that how people treat you is a learned behavior?
No one deserves abuse, so that much is a given. Abuse deserves a “Kiss my a**! and a quick exit. (As someone from a previous abusive marriage, I know that’s easier said than done, but it’s true.)
But for the day-to-day things, you teach people how they can (and should) treat you.
Do people show up late for your meetings every time? (Not just once because of traffic, but each and every time.) Show them that’s not the way to treat you. Do it respectfully, of course, but be firm. Your time is valuable. Convey that.
Do people not respect your ideas? Know your worth and make sure people value you. Don’t associate with those who don’t appreciate and value
you.
Do you know how precious you are? Learn it. Own it. Believe it.
Be Who You Are
I am Shay Rockhold. I’m 47 years old. I’m loud. I get really excited. I wave my arms when I talk and my eyes light up. I’m fluffy. I don’t wear makeup.
Most people either love me or really prefer not to be in the same room with me.
At 47, I am finally okay with that.
I am not everyone’s cup of tea. That used to bother me. A lot.
But now I realize that I’d rather make people hot or cold than lukewarm. Be yourself. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Embrace your “yourselfness.” Life the life you want and let people choose to be around you or not. It’s liberating.
L. Shay Rockhold is a mom of three, writer, publisher, author, and coffee addict. She also plays an impressive game of Klingon Monopoly. She is also a major contributor to FoF Magazine, providing “Lady Bits” on a continuous basis. You can learn more about Shay and her work at www.ShayRockhold.com.