Postcards from the Funny Farm

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If most of us controlled things, we’d never have to stand up for ourselves. It feels “uppity,” defensive, even rude at times. But we aren’t in control and sometimes we have to take control of our rights in a given situation. The usual case is that no one will plead your case if you don’t. Sure, it’s true occasionally that someone might step in and take your side when you’ve been wronged but let’s face it: for the most part in this world you are on your own. A temporary “discomfort” of confronting someone who has offended you in some way is worth it in the long run when people know how you feel on the subject. Remaining quiet is a polite thing but it can be confused with your approval. When you disagree with something strongly, you owe it to yourself to speak up. I’ve heard it said that the only dumb question is the one that is never asked. You might say that the only wrong way to stick up for yourself is to say nothing.

Today someone tried telling me how things were. Since their perception made me look quite the fool, I had to stand up for myself and get in this person’s face a little bit. I am so glad I found that courage. Instead of going home wishing I’d said something to defend myself, which has been my situation in the past, I know my position has been heard. Sometimes it’s not even worth trying to persuade these folks, but rather to simply speak your mind in attempt to make your position known. Whether people like your position or not, at least you will stand or fall on your own terms … not the terms someone else paints you into.