The Privilege of My Presence

A boundary is not anger. Sometimes it’s self-respect.

Some lessons take a lifetime to learn. Respect is not negotiable.

Disrespect

It is not tolerated.

Never was.
Never will be.

And it is not allowed in my space.

I don’t give it,
so I will not receive it.

Respect

It is how I honor others…
until they give me a reason not to.

But it is also how I honor myself.

My thoughts.
My emotions.
My heart.
My limbs.
My space.
My literal existence.

So if you cannot show respect,
you will suffer a great loss.

No… I’m no soothsayer.

The loss you will suffer
is the privilege of my presence.

So… you choose.

We all have choices to make.
Choices we must live with.

So choose wisely.

Choose respect.

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If this resonated with you, share it with a woman who needs the reminder that her presence is not something to beg for, it’s something to value.

And if you’re learning to stand in your courage and claim your space, subscribe to The Joi of Courage so you don’t miss the next reflection.