Volume 58 - Fortitude

 John Lennon opined that, "Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans."  (I know -- I've used this before --  but it is so apt don't you think?)

Every so often (if we're lucky) or sometimes way too often (if we're not) life hands us situations and circumstances that we neither want nor are prepared for and we honestly wonder if we will even survive them.    Yet somehow we human beings must deal.  Many people in my community are in that place right now.

Nine days ago, my daughter  (20) lost a good friend in a sudden and tragic accident.  Two young lives were lost just like that.  She was an integral part of my daughter's high school life. Sports trips, student council, girls nights, grad celebrations, they shared so much of them.  My heart aches at the loss of this young life.

I think of her family and her friends.  Those  many people for whom she was/is an integral part of their lives and my heart aches for them. 

I am reminded of times when life handed me some really crappy circumstances.  Family members in deep trouble, multiple deaths and other losses in a short period of time, I could go on....(and I'm sure if you think of your own life, you could fill in your own blanks)    Challenges that we felt we could not and certainly did not want to face. Challenges we may have felt would take us  -- and perhaps even keep us -- down.

The fortitude situations like this call for  seems almost impossible to attain at first.  And truly, sometimes all we can do is hunker down and tune the world out for  a time.  There is a season to intense grief, a time when pulling inward and numbing out is appropriate.  And like spring, eventually the bedrock of our characters does call us out to life again.   When we are faced with losses and challenges, when we are tempted to just give up,  I think it is fortitude that keeps us keeping on.

Linda Kavelin Popov describes fortitude as "strength of character.  ....the will to endure no matter what happens, with courage, confidence and patience.  Fortitude", she reminds us, "is deeply rooted in the bedrock of our will.  We cultivate it by strengthening our resolve to face whatever comes.  It springs from devotion to a purpose we believe to be real and important.  It grows as we face and overcome insurmountable obstacles.  It keeps us going.  Our fortitude can astonish us."

At those times when the obstacles seem insurmountable, we have to go deep within ourselves and find the 'bedrock of our will' - to keep on keeping on.  It doesn't happen easily or quickly.  Sometimes it doesn't happen without  a lot of grief and pain, yet eventually,  it does happen.

I am comforted to know that many people are rallying around this family.  May it be so for all of us if, God forbid, we face such seeming insurmountable obstacles in our lives.  May we never feel alone in our pain.

The anonymous quote Linda Kavelin Popov uses for fortitude is "Hold your precious heart steadfast in fortitude until the siege is passed and you will be duly nourished."

Sometimes the siege takes a very long time to pass.  May all beings have companions as they face those sieges in their lives.  May they know they are not alone.  May we all become the kind of friends, neighbors and family members that have each others backs.....May mourning be more accepted and recognized in our fast paced, hectic culture.

If you are currently 'under siege' (in anyway),  may fortitude (and Grace)  carry you to higher ground.  In the meantime, may you receive all the nourishing and comforting you need and deserve. 

Namaste

~Kate

The Practice of Fortitude

I have the will to survive.

I have the patience to endure.

I am guided by a clear purpose.

I know what I care about.

Whatever life brings makes me stronger.

I have amazing endurance.  

I am thankful for the gift of Fortitude.   It is the strength of my soul.

Reflection Questions

What in my life requires fortitude?

Who in my life could use a companion as they face seeming insurmountable obstacles?

How has fortitude astonished me?

What is my clear purpose?


  

Volume 57 -- Acceptance (for my dear sister/friend Jane -- I will always love you)

 I spent the day in my garden, thinking about (and missing)  my dear friend Jane Grover who died unexpectedly this spring.  (our dear cat Daisy, also died early this summer, and even though it was expected, it was not easy to say goodbye after 17 years together)

I started this blogging endeavor in 2008, writing about my journey with acceptance.  Like the newly reformed smoker, I was feeling pretty 'all that' about acceptance as my fingers tapped it out.  Little did I know that six years later,  (2014) I would again be humbled -- knees knocked right out from under me -- feeling unable to manage the weight of  multiple large losses in a short period of time.   And little did I know when that happened how much I would grow as I moved through it. 

As I was thinking of losing Jane today it dawned on me that, approaching the ripe old age of 59, the rest of my life is likely going to involve loss in proportions hitherto unknown to me.

As John Lennon sagely sang: "life is what happens when you're busy making other plans."

Loss is a hard one to navigate in our culture.  The culture of 'suck it up' -- 'put on a brave face' -- 'didn't that happen a month ago?' makes it hard for people to seek out and get the support they need. This then makes it hard for us to support others when they do seek us out, losses others are processing can trigger  feelings about losses we haven't processed, causing a repellent feeling.

A friend recently lost her son in law at the tender age of 23 to that ravager of families -- cancer.  This is a loss that is going to take a lot of process to come to acceptance of.  Sadly, there are few who are able to be there for her as she journeys that path, and they become fewer and fewer as the weeks slip by.

When going through loss its important to FEEL and its important to have support...yet people are often uncomfortable with feelings...especially the teary kind.  The feeler and the witnesses are both uncomfortable. 

So how do we navigate loss?

I found during much of the big losses of my life, by using every ounce of detachment I could muster,  I could put aside my grief and pain when really  necessary and 'show up for work'.......whether it was facilitating a group or workshop, parenting my kids, or attending a meeting.......most of the time I was even able to be almost fully present, (after I'd been there a bit) -- a welcome relief from the process of coming to acceptance.  Then, when the job  of the moment was over, my 'bundle' was still there, waiting patiently to be dealt with.  When we are struggling to accept a loss by death and finding little support, Hospice can be a a welcome support.   And of course there are many other groups that can assist us as we come to terms, come to acceptance of loss.

I come to acceptance slowly, sometimes reluctantly and occasionally literally, on my knees.

I used to think acceptance merely meant accepting the 'suchness' of others.  And accepting myself with all my flaws and inconsistencies, in my humanness.  After many years of conscious effort, acceptance of this kind is easier than ever.

Accepting situations -- the unfolding of life and fate -- often so radically different from my hopes, dreams and plans is something I expect I may always struggle with. 

Linda Kavelin Popov writes about acceptance: "We are open to what is, rather than wishing for something different.  We face the truth in all circumstances with honesty and courage."

At first thought, we might think it's a no-brainer -- to accept what is.  He's dead, she's sick and could die, they moved,  she left me, my kids are leaving the nest,  the car is wrecked, etc. etc.  Who could argue with the FACTS?

Accepting the reality of these situations is not hard intellectually.  However acceptance is not a mere passive lack of outward, behavioral attempts to change what is happening, or has happened, but  is rather a less tangible feeling or harmony with truly accepting (on a deep emotional level, so we are no longer railing against the truth)  -- of truly  accepting what we want to be different.   Even if we take no action against a situation, or there is no action we could take to change a particular situation, we can still be in a state of non-acceptance.  And that is what causes or prolongs suffering.

"Acceptance is embracing life on its own terms." LKP  The good and the bad.  

The good news is that through this process of coming to terms with the many losses of life we can learn to embrace life on its own terms in a much deeper and more profound way.   The bad news, is its not easy and  often won't feel very good, nor if you are at all like me, it won't  come without considerable railing, whining and gnashing of teeth!  Getting to acceptance, like all real growth,  is very much a process. 

The serenity prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr can help us discern what we can  change (ourselves) and what we have to learn to  accept.  (pretty much everything that is happening around us)  

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."  Powerful concept -- not easy to do.

Changing what we can in any given situation can sometimes be a long process.  One of the 'teachable moments' for me around loss has been realizing  I'm going to grieve no matter what I'm doing and that taking those feelings   with me --  on a walk by the ocean, pottering in the garden, clearing and cleaning and letting go of that which no longer served me in my environment, I can do the emotional work of letting go, while doing something positive to feel more in control of what I can change.

Recovering from a loss requires grieving it, and then when that work is done --  letting go.    When many losses are layered one on top of the other, or its a very big loss, or it came 'out of the blue' --  it can feel overwhelming.

Like a newly transplanted plant, much of the initial growth occurs underground, not visible to the naked eye.  Watered by tears and heartache the roots of our character grow stronger, more resilient each day, until one day we awake and realize we have come to new ground -- somehow, inexplicably -- we have come to acceptance. 

Then what?

When I come to acceptance of a loss I feel a deeper well of joy inside.   I still feel sad when I think of the people I miss and what they are missing, but somehow I  carry them with me.  They are a part of my life and who I am and nothing can ever change that.    I am a better person for having known them, loved and been loved by them,  and strangely,  even for having lost them.

For this, I am now and will ever be,  grateful.  

~ Namaste

Questions for reflection:

What do I need to accept?

What will help me to come to acceptance?

What do I need to change?

How can I  draw on the courage to change the things I can?

Volume 56 - Endurance

William Barclay suggested that "Endurance is not just the ability to endure a hard thing, but to turn it into glory."

I have been blessed to have worked with hundreds of people during my life.
Thinking of them and their stories,  and looking around me -- and sometimes within me --  I wonder --  how much can a person endure?  And the conclusion I come to over and over again is:  apparently -- a whole helluva lot.

The Virtues  Reflection card on Endurance says "Endurance is our ability to withstand adversity and hardship.  We practice perseverance and patience when obstacles arise, open to the lessons they bring.  We don't give up or feel hopeless about ourselves.  We hold on.  Endurance hones our character and seasons our souls.  Weathering the inevitable challenges in our relationships deepens trust and loyalty.  It makes love abiding and strong.  The early navigators who plotted their course with nothing but the stars  became strong, confident sailors.  When trouble comes, endurance gives us the strength to stay the course."   (Linda Kavelin Popov)

Endurance does not call us to become martyrs for others though.  For a long time I endured the pain of living with people who were broken in ways that made it impossible to keep lasting relationship without losing myself and my dignity.    People who were unable to truly love and respect another human being.  People who in their pain and desperation avoided vulnerability like the plague and resorted to abuse in an attempt to protect themselves from any more damage.  No amount of patient endurance, loyalty and love seemed to move the needle for those folks. (and boy did I try)
It's like they were stuck in another reality.  Thankfully I have learned that lesson.  People who use abuse (which is about a lot more than physical violence) rarely change without years of intensive and deep personal work.   Most of them are unable to be that real and vulnerable  with and about themselves.  I grieve for the lost potential but will no longer put myself in harms way, thinking if only I love them enough they will change.  And whenever and wherever I can, I stand with others who are making that choice for themselves, the choice to insist on respectful treatment for all, at all times. 

A Tlingit elder once said, "Life is for learning our lessons." and one of the lessons I have learned is  not to tolerate abuse, and to have the courage to speak up and stand up when I witness it.

This past year, through a project called Understanding the Village, I learned in a new, experiential way, the incredible endurance of the Coast Salish peoples (and by extension, all peoples who have been colonized by others, as a people or as individuals in abusive relationships)  I've learned in a deeper soul touching way the terrible abuse they suffered in the guise of 'help'.   And the racism and marginalization many 1st Nations people still endure on a daily basis as well as the incredible adversity facing all people, men, women and children, who live life daily with others who are unable to truly love.   There is much restitution and healing required. 

As my country celebrates what it calls its birthday, I struggle with openly celebrating the birth of a nation that caused the death of so many other nations.   So today, I decided to spend at home, doing some catch up in house and garden and in quiet reflection on what I want to see my country be.  (this is in no way meant to offend those people who are in a different place -- may you all experience a happy Canada Day)

Don't get me wrong, Canadians still have much to be thankful for.  Most of us have clean water, there is still somewhat of a social safety net, we have medical coverage and other benefits.  However, once we were the envy of the world on many fronts and I would like to see that become true again.

As Canada faces another federal election this fall, it is my sincere hope that  we will get on the path of rebuilding, this country and her people.   That so many of our people will not have to 'endure' so much when the dust settles.   What lessons do we need to learn so that this first world country I have the blessing to live in will once and for all address what happened to our 1st peoples and make restitution?  When will we address child poverty, climate change, the environment,  racism, the inequity between the rich and the poor and start to truly support our young families as they raise our future leaders?  When will the 1st peoples of this land have the same opportunities as those of us who descend from the colonizers?

May all those who have been abused find the courage to make a change and truly begin to live.  May all people in this country with so much potential get out this fall and cast a ballot for the kind of country they want.

May we  become one country and one people --who stand and work together for justice for all.

May it happen soon.

Namaste~

~ Kate

The Practice of Endurance

I find the strength to live through adversity.

I seek the lessons in hardships.

I do not let troubles keep me down.

I accept the challenges love requires.

I have lasting relationships.

I gain confidence by not giving up.

I am thankful for the gift of endurance.  It fortifies my will.

Reflection Questions

What relationships are healthy andc worth keeping and which ones should I let go of?

What lessons do my present circumstances illuminate?

How can I create deep trust and loyalty with the people in my life who treat me in a healthy way?

What practices, places and people 'bring me to life'?


  

Volume 55 - Service

This past weekend, my son and I watched the movie Selma, which told the story of the Selma to Montgomery marches in Alabama, along with other activities of the civil rights movement that led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Of course, Martin Luther King Jr. was prominently figured in Selma.  And I can't think of anyone who epitomizes the virtue of service more than Dr. King.

"Everybody can be great....because anybody can serve.  You don't have to have a college education degree to serve...You only need a heart full of grace.  A soul generated by love."  Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Service has been on my mind lately.  Partly because there is a new service club coming to the little town I live in, and another service club has been building little libraries across my community.  You know the ones, a little 'building on a pole', where neighours can leave a book and take a book.  Partly because recently, a way that I serve a loved one was questioned and reacted to by another loved one.
(I am still working my way through that one)

So many cool ideas are taking root across the world.  Close by,  in Portland Oregon, is the City Repair project that has revitalized and revolutionized 'public space' in Portland, while building community.
The projects are built by neighbours and have cost the Portland Council little to  nothing, but have attracted world wide attention and many new residents to Portland.

Locally, we have so many groups that people volunteer in to serve their community.  I am sure it is the same where you live.   A few ways I have served are  helping to eradicate an invasive species, english ivy, from a local park and stream side,  working on fundraising to build transitional housing for women and kids who have fled abusive situations, housing that will give them a safe place to live with services on site, while they get their legs back so to speak and being a hospice volunteer.  My years as a Baha'i taught me the importance of service and I have been truly blessed with the bounty a spirit of service brings.

So many of us practice service in so many ways, it can be as simple as opening a door for someone, or as complicated as sitting bedside in a 'vigil' when someone is dying.

"Using our gifts to be of service is the fullest expression of our lives.  Each day, we find a multitude of ways to be useful.  Whatever we may achieve, the quality of our own life comes from the quality of our contribution.  First and foremost we serve our loved ones.  We notice what others need, discover their wishes, and respond helpfully.  We don't wait to be asked.  A spirit of service invests whatever we do with excellence.  We give our very best effort.  People who want to be of service can change the world."

May each of us, in our own small or big way, serve this world we are blessed to have been born into.
May each of us, do our part, to change that world for the better.

Namaste

~ Kate


The Practice of Service

I look for opportunities to serve.

I work with wholehearted enthusiasm.

I do thoughtful things for my family and friends.

I don't wait to be asked when something needs doing.

I give freely of my time and attention.

I use my gifts to make a difference in the world.

I am thankful for the gift of Service.  It makes my life a prayer.

Reflection Questions

Where do I see an opportunity to be useful?

What gifts do I have that my community/world needs now?

What kind of service calls me?

How can I bring an awareness of service to all my interactions?

Volume 54 - Consideration

In consideration of the fact that I haven't written a blog in almost 21 months, I thought it was time.

Funnily enough I posted about Consideration on FB today, so this will be largely a rehash.

I am in 'catch up' mode at my house.  My office looks like a very disorderly person inhabits it.  My virtues job (okay business, OKAY calling) has been sorely neglected the last few years that I have held office and concurrently gone through the huge transition of losing two fathers, one partner,  two dear friends,  some family sickness and the empty nest.  Whew, makes me tired just to type it.

Being a municipal Councillor can eat up as much time as you have...rewarding and valuable, sometimes agonizing and sometimes, even fun...

As I was dunging out my office today I spotted a deck of Virtues cards at the end of a book case that sits on my desk.  One card was sticking out.  It really spoke to me, so decided to post on FB and now write this blog.

"Consideration is giving careful thought to the needs of others.  It is also holding a decision in a contemplative and thoughtful way.  We mindfully consider what will result from our choices before we act.  We speak with gentleness and tact.  We care about others and their feelings.  We carefully observe their preferences and needs, then do things to give them ease or bring them joy.  Consideration shines in small daily acts that add to the happiness of others.  It is one of the most meaningful ways to show love.  Considerate people give the very best gifts."  Linda Kavelin Popov

My recent few weeks have given me many opportunities to practice consideration.  For the most part I have been considerate, though I have found other's behaviour and decisions confusing and frustrating.
A few times I have fallen from the mark, but once or twice I actually caught myself and got back on track.  I have been fortunate to witness consideration practiced by many dear people as I have moved through the past few months.

May we all be more considerate of one another.  May we all be more considerate of ourselves.  This human journey is fraught with tests and challenges and those daily acts of kindness, towards us and others really make a difference.   I am grateful for the consideration that has been shown to me these past two years, , by my friends, colleagues, neighbours and family.  May I be worthy of being called 'considerate'.  Blessings to all on this May long weekend.  (at least it is a long weekend in Canada)

I note I did not promise when I would blog again 21 months ago, and I will be considerate to each of you and myself by not doing so again.  I hope it's sooner though.  It's kind of fun.

The Practice of Consideration

I think about what others need.

I am thoughtful of their feelings.

I speak gently and tactfully.

I hold decisions with care and discernment.

I take joy in bringing joy to others.

I show my love in thoughtful acts.

I am thankful for the gift of Consideration.  It allows me to brighten others' lives.

Reflection Questions

What decisions do I need to hold with care and discernment?

How can I be more considerate?

Who needs my consideration?

What thoughtful ways can I show my love?

A few folks have been asking me if I would put on a workshop, they are needing a refresher.  If you are interested, drop me an email at katemarsh@shaw. ca.  I am thinking fall.

May all of your days be full of consideration,

~ Kate

Volume 53 -- Steadfastness

I don't even want to know how many posts I missed this year, so I didn't look.  And I won't make any promises about 'getting back on track' -- at my house, I'm definitely in 'one day at a time mode'.

So it rankled a bit at first,  to choose Steadfastness out of the 100 possibilities.   But, having travelled with these qualities (some go so far as to call them an order of Angels)  these virtues, and knowing their power I trust that,  initial reaction aside, there is always a gift and a wisdom for me each time I randomly pick one.

"Steadfastness is being steady, persevering and dependable. (check -- blog notwithstanding)  We remain true to our purpose through whatever happens.  (check)  Steadfastness grows whenever we rise to a challenge.  (hmmmm, hadn't thought of it that way -- it kind of breeds itself)  It bolsters our will to keep going when life tests our resolve. (and to borrow an Oprahism -- one thing I know for sure is  -- Life Tests Our Resolve over and over again, often at the most inconvenient times)  We choose a direction, then keep a steady pace.  (slow and steady wins the race?)  We are faithful and enduring with those we love.  We commit ourselves to something for however long it may take.  We are like a strong ship in a storm.  We don't allow ourselves to be battered or blown off course.  We hold on and ride the waves."  Linda Kavelin Popov

Whenever I choose a virtue, I remind myself to take it as an invitation, confirmation or affirmation - NEVER condemnation.  So rather than beat myself about not being steadfast with this blog recently, I take it as an invitation.

Given the rest of the stuff (the life thing) that I'm called to being steadfast with these days, I may or may not accept that particular invitation.   I hope I do though, cause just sitting here, not really know what's going to come next is actually enjoyable.

But I do accept this as confirmation and affirmation of my steadfastness -- without which I could never have raised four children, largely alone.  Or have accomplished the things I have accomplished.

We --  all of us -- have our share of tests.  Individually and collectively -- things are tough out there.

There's the groaning planet and the moaning deniers.  (who have their own tests)  The struggling economy and the shrinking resources.

And each of us has our own personal challenges,  a relationship under duress, job stress, no job stress,
worries for our future, our children's future, a loved one's illness, a loved one's death, an empty nest.   Whatever it is.  That life thing that so takes its toll on us.  Did you know that fully 20 % of us are suffering with some kind of mental illness at any one time.   That is one sobering statistic.

Whatever your particular challenges, draw on steadfastness to help you get through it.

Our African-American brothers and sisters call it, "Keep on keepin' on."

I'm good at steadfastness in the big stuff -- been practicing it for decades, so that helps.  What's new for me is the idea that I don't have to be steadfast alone, like I thought I did for so many years.  There are plenty of dear friends willing to  stand behind and beside us when we reach out.

There always were such folks in my life, but I often forgot to invite them into the loop.  Now I'm thinking, how do we build community if we all suffer our life's tests stoically alone?

So I travel the latest life stuff with a team -- both here and there -- beside me and behind me.  With me.  And I'm discovering, it makes all the difference.

May it be so for you too.....

Namaste

~ Kate

The Practice of Steadfastness

I choose my commitments wisely.

I remain true to my purpose.

I pace myself.

I am faithful to my relationships.

I don't allow doubts or tests to blow me off course.

I take what comes and persevere.

I am thankful for the gift of Steadfastness.
It gives me the strength to endure.

Reflection Questions

What/who helps me stay true to my purpose?

What are the commitments I want to keep at this time, and what do I need to let go for a time?

What helps me pace myself when things get overwhelming?

Who is part of my team when life is calling me to be steadfast?

Volume 52 -- Assertiveness

"Dost thou reckon thyself a puny form, when within thee the universe is folded?"  Imam Ali

It's been several months since I wrote this blog. Unsure what to write about, I randomly picked the virtue of Assertiveness.  So here goes.

                                                       What is Assertiveness?

Linda Kavelin Popov, (you could call her the mother of the Virtues Project), tells us that:

"Assertiveness is speaking one's truth with peaceful confidence.  It is discerning the song we were given to sing and using our talents as a gift to the world.  We have the courage to speak up for what we believe is right.  We tell the truth about what is just.  Assertiveness comes from knowing our own worth, and honoring the dignity of who we are.  We stand on our own holy ground, and set boundaries without guilt.  We never beg or make demands.  We ask for what we need by making simple, positive requests.  We treat ourselves with respect and expect respect at all times."

Whew.   A tall order.  Especially when our wounded inner parts are elicited, something that happens more often than most of us are aware of.

Becoming respectfully  assertive was a long road for me. (and like anything else about my character, I'm not perfectly there all the time)  It involved growing over time and tribulation into that deep knowledge of my own worth and dignity.  And a strong belief in and respect for the worth and dignity of every other human being.


Over my almost six decades as a human being in my various roles as mother, friend, partner and colleague  I have learned how important assertiveness is to relationships and in communication.  To growth.  As municipal Councillor, I  find it important to hone the virtue of assertiveness as never before.

I am often touched by the assertiveness of the Coast Salish people, and the many constituents who  come forward to the Council table to question and even take an assertive stand against decisions they feel are not in our collective best interests or the best interests of the earth on which we all depend on for our very life.  

Many times those folks are respectfully assertive and no matter how their views differ, it feels like something special has just happened in the room.   Sometimes, people mistake aggression for assertiveness and leave respect at the door and the atmosphere feels tainted and an opportunity for understanding and community is lost.


 I never cease to be saddened by the way some people treat each other, in public and private.  All too often I call to mind Bill Cosby's "Hurt people hurt people." when faced with disrespect and abuse.

Today is Canada Day in the country I am blessed to call home, and in spite of what I'm about to say, I do feel very, very blessed to call Canada my home -- yet Canada as a country, (like me as a person, and perhaps you too)   has a lot to improve on.

 I  admit I can't celebrate Canada Day wholeheartedly.     Canada is  after all a colonized country and her First People still suffer, many without adequate housing, food and clean water and without settled and long promised Treaties.  Many of our First People's way of life continues to be threatened by policies that hurtle us closer to the abyss climate change is taking us to.  Many Canadian children (14%)  live in poverty.  Our standing on any number of international measures is shrinking.

For all our progress, individually and collectively, there is still so much to learn -- so much to do.  And  our First People and their traditional ways have much to teach.  I am so very grateful for their growing assertiveness.

Last week I attended the opening of a gym on the Halalt Reserve near my home.  It was a moving, spiritual morning as the community gathered to bless and honor their children and their people while they dedicated the space to health and growth.

Today, in our capitol city, Idle No More drummers and singers  were set to rally for change and for justice, not just for the First Peoples, but for the earth we all rely on for our sustenance -- for this country we all share.    Assertively.   I stand with them in spirit.

  

As a dear First Nation's friend posted this morning on Facebook.   "O Canada -- our home is native land."

Namaste to all my relations,

~ Kate

The Practice of Assertiveness

I speak my truth with confidence.

I value the gifts I have to give.

I stand up for what I think is right.

I honor my own worth.

I set clear boundaries.

I know I am worthy of respect.

I am thankful for the gift of Assertiveness.
It is the guardian of my dignity.

Reflection Questions

What do I want to stand for?

What are the boundaries I need to set in my life?

How can I more fully share my gifts with the world?

What would give me the courage to do these things?