The other day I found an old report card. And in the comment section it said that I was a “disruptive influence.” Growing up, I heard a lot of comments like that. “You’re a great student… but you talk too much.” Or, “You’re a great person… but you’re too bossy.”
Who can relate to that? Where are my other “disruptive influences”?
Were you a “disruptive influence” growing up?
Comments like that can make you doubt yourself or feel like you’re not enough. Worse, it can lead to you toning yourself down to the point that you don’t assert yourself. You stop voicing your discomfort or saying what you need. So you push yourself to the breaking point and burn out.
There are plenty of disruptive influences throughout history who have done a lot of really good things. In fact, most of our positive changes in history were shaped by disruptive influences.
We’re made of a similar cloth. We’re intelligent, outspoken, and ready to lead. But we also sometimes carry baggage from being told for so long that it’s not okay to put ourselves first. That we should sit back, be quiet, and smile.
Advocate for your health and your sanity!
So we need to flip the script! When it comes to advocating for your health, don't be afraid to get bossy, loud, and disruptive. Speak up and make sure your voice is heard: “I get to work out, I get to sleep, I get to eat healthy food, and
then I will deal with you. I will not deal with anyone until I deal with myself.”
When it comes to your health and well-being, you should never settle for anything less than what's best for you. Self-care should be a priority! And self-advocacy is key to making sure that your needs are met. So be that loudmouth, bossy, little spitfire that you were (and still are) and advocate for your health and your sanity.
If you need help, let me know. I'm happy to help you vocalize what you want and give you the resources you need to go after it. But for now, I'm giving you permission to be a disruptive influence and advocate for yourself.
