Advocacy
Advocacy
One of the pillars of my engagement is advocacy. I’ve spent the majority of my adult life figuring things out. Its felt a lot like the downside of trailblazing. In this season of my life, I want to share my experiences, advocate for myself, and advocate for others. A reason for me starting and building this blog is to share how overflowing grace and abundance looks in real time, in real life, with me, a real person. Another reason is to perfect my voice and process the components of my life. Advocacy is the pre-curser to change. Before we see change, we must know how to ask for it. This is what advocacy does. It ask for it. We willfully suffer in silence every day. We must advocate everyday. The solutions we experience are those we advocated for.
Self Advocacy
In this season of my life, I am aware that I control how
people access me, my thoughts, and my resources. I am aware that I have the
power to grant that access, and to use it for good. Prior to this season of awareness, I was
suffering in silence. I knew I was
powerful, but didn’t know how to protect my power or my peace. I didn’t know how to advocate for myself in
the relationships in my life. Professionally or Personally. We
must ASK. Self advocacy is about asking for what we need and what we
want. I like to think of it as controlling
INPUTS. For me, this began to look like withdrawal
from activities, places, and people. Then it shifted to the inclusion of seeking higher vibration in satisfaction, purpose, and passions.
The first person I had to ask of was myself. I had to ask myself for permission to be
precious, extraordinary, protected, and prized.
One hard truth I had to learn was that we don’t experience the abundance
we desire because we don’t believe we deserve it. So, I pulled back and let go of things, and
yes, some people. The hardest part of
the pivot in my mind was letting go of the people that anchored my self
limiting beliefs. It was VERY painful.
It was a long process. It meant I was
shedding blinding light on those relationships that I had considered dear friends. They in fact were a part of my identity, and
without them, I felt exposed and unloved.
But, that was the exact point. I was “under loved”. I was not loved the way I needed to be loved,
or wanted to be loved, and now I know, how I deserve to be loved. A part of my struggle with this is that I am
LOYAL. The thought of disconnecting or loosening
grips on those I love tremendously is a huge internal conflict for me. Some of these people were absolutely ridiculous
and I haven’t shed a tear or given a second thought. Some of them ARE absolutely amazing and near
and dear to my soul. Regardless, I needed to make some individualized decisions
for me, that resulted in my feeling respected, appreciated, and wholly loved.
The next request is of others. For me, it was a silent boundary request. It was communicated through my actions. I simply relaxed my love and loyalty grips, and exited stage left. (because I was doing what was right for me) Did you see what I did there? (lol) When we assign people main stage energy in our lives, and they do nothing… we get nothing. The best way I could summarize it is by saying this, “ If my absence doesn’t speak volumes, then my presence did not have meaning in your life. Either way, there is nothing to explain or discuss.” When you know better, you do better by yourself, and for others.
As much as I desire simplicity, some relationships can be complex. I’ve had to forgive myself, and others. Some of my relationships became stronger. I
am hopeful that all of them will make the transition with me and progress
fully. We must decide that we are worth the effort,
and that the relationship is worth the investment of our emotions, energy, and
resources. Some people, I couldn’t or didn’t
want to let go of. (friends/family) I was able to find a way to co-exist with them. (from a distance) This past week,
my ‘Winning Wednesday’ thought was “Expecting MORE is first evidenced by the accommodation
of LESS.” In my
process and path to self love, I learned some excellent skills. I have progressed into healthy boundaries that create
emotional and financial safety. I accommodate
less. Less excuses, and more decisive choices.
Less of life happening to me, and
more of life happening for me. I became more intentional, productive, and
lucrative. I’ve gained some valuable
exposure and experience. A win is a win. Mastering self advocacy makes it easy to advocate for others.
Reciprocity
Next to the word advocacy, is the word reciprocity. Am I asking for what I want, or communicating
it in some way? Am I receiving what I am
asking for? Am I reciprocating, or adding value to the person, project, or
organization? I like to think of this as
my controlling OUTPUTS. What am I doing
to add beauty and make my world better for myself, and others?
This now looks like engagement. How am I showing up for those I love, my
clients, and my community. How can I use
my exposure and experience to advocate for others?
Recently I’ve joined my town committee and a national board. It brings a great sense of purpose to be
involved in making a difference in the lives of people who don’t even know you care.
These thoughts came to me this month of April. The month we celebrate Fair Housing. This past week, I attended a lunch
celebrating Fair Housing with my town’s Housing Advocacy and Human Relations Committees.
The world is a big place. Together,
we can make a big impact in the lives of others. We must advocate for ourselves, for others,
and reciprocate what we seek.
As you approach mid year of 2023, ask yourself, what do you
need from yourself, and others? Ask for
it. What do you possess, or have that
creates solutions for others? Share it,
or offer it. Who do you know that is
voiceless, and needs advocacy? Speak up
for them. The return on investment of advocacy is always immeasurable.
For both yourself, and others.
Abundance Always!
#lifeofbliss #overflowingabundance #advocacy #reciprocity #boundaries #community #ask #MORE
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