to Disrespect is Manipulation. You bet it is!
I have learned a new strength in the last couple of years. If someone is disrespecting me, I let them know I will not accept that behavior again. I may not raise a fuss and yell in a crowd, but I will let it be known their bad behavior is not acceptable to me. And I will not tolerate it again.
It may not sound like a big deal to someone who has always stood up for themselves, but for me, the quintessential people-pleaser good girl, it’s huge. Really. I’m just glad I learned before it’s too late.
I have found my voice, and it’s strong. “You will not do this to me again.” I’m perfectly even tempered, even though they try to put words in my mouth, “you said this in anger.” Nope. I didn’t. I don’t need to be told what I was feeling or anything. I mean what I say. Once it’s out, it’s part of my truth. Don’t insult me by telling me I don’t mean it. It’s a boundary. Don’t cross it again.
Today was a personal connection day. The Babe had a rare day off, and we languished over coffee and breakfast, barely got ready for the day and it was time to meet our friend Don for lunch. It was good. His wife passed from ALS and he lost a favorite brother-in-law the following week. How hard! All we can do is listen, and we recalled some fun things. He recounted all the things you have to change legally when you lose your spouse. There are a lot of things, and it might be a good idea if there was a hit list for surviving spouses. I feel badly for the women and men who don’t have a clue how to do all these things. Believe it or not, there are a lot, of both women and men.
As I get further into Gary Sinise’s book, “Grateful American,” I am more amazed at his path in his career and his personal growth than I was before. As he tries directing, acting, producing, stage acting, more directing, and finally lands in movie acting, he is cast as Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump. What a perfect part. He describes the training the actors had for the war scenes. It was pretty in-depth. I’m approaching the part I’m most interested in, and that’s how he started to help Veterans. It is a good book.
Speaking of helping Veterans, the 50 Mile March raised over $240,000 last count I saw. That is incredible. The people of Nebraska are so generous, especially when it comes to Veterans and First Responders. Thank you, folks. Your money will support Veterans with needs that are not being met. Until now.
Thank you for reading. We are holding at 958 subscribers who receive an email each time we publish a blog. I’m shooting for 1,000 followers as we are now over 1,100 blogs published. I appreciate you following so much. We’ll be having more adventures in the coming months. Thanks for going on this journey with me! See you tomorrow.
Kathy Raabe 