"No One Can Make You Feel Inferior Without Your Consent"

 

    One of my favorite movies is "The Princess Diaries." Yes, a little juvenile, but it has a great story and message! That is where I first heard this quote by former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." It immediately became my favorite. 

    In the movie, Anne Hathaway's character is upset because her best friend just found out about her secret of being a princess. Hathaway's character wants to be invisible. She doesn't want the responsibility and limelight of being a princess. However, when her new chauffer tells her this quote, it makes her think. 

    We are not all made for the limelight. Many of us like to hide behind our walls. Still, there are times when these walls must come down and we must step forward. We can't go through life worrying about what others constantly think about us. We are in control of how we feel about ourselves and our own self-esteem. 

    Don't get me wrong, as a journalist for the past 30 years, I have been subject to blame, criticism, and ridicule for what I have written about others. I have even lost good friends because of this. After a took a step back, I realized that it was them who were in the wrong, most of the time, and not me. I am not perfect. I do have flaws, like all human beings, but, after a good cry, I made up my mind that I wasn't going to let them get me. 

    We can't buy into the negativity. At 45 years of age, I decided to take another leap. To sell my business and start a new career as a full-time high school teacher. Then I took a bigger leap and decided to go back to school and get my masters' degree. I couldn't have done these things if I didn't believe in myself. 

    Just like my newspaper articles, this blog, once again, puts myself out there for the world to see. Critics will come, but they can't knock me down. 

    In my second year of part-time teaching, one of my students came to class having a bad day. Another teacher had criticized her and her opinion in a class. It really impacted her. I talked to the student and I told her this quote. She appreciated my listening. Appreciated my taking the time to see her side. Her mother appreciated it too. It hit me then, that as educators and teachers what a positive, and negative, impact we can have on our students. 

    As I continue to grow and learn as a teacher, I remember that day with that student. I always try to let my students express their opinions, even if I disagree. I always try to help them see both sides. To not be afraid to speak up when needed, and to know when to back down. 

    We are all unique in our own ways. We all need to strive to be the best versions of ourselves. So, when I'm having a tough day, or someone decides to make me feel small, I remember this quote. Other people's opinions do not define you. You have the power to be the best version of yourself.