My name is Carol Rodgers: I am a wife, mother, author, and speaker. Throughout my life, I have seen some very strong women, and I have seen women who seemed so strong outwardly, but had really given up and needed some encouragement. I was one of them at one point, but I saw what was happening and got myself back on track. Here are a few tips that I’ve learned and that have helped me, and I am hoping they will help you too. This guide is meant to encourage us to pick ourselves up and get back on the train. The new year is upon us, so how about adding a Perfect Vision for 20/20 to our resolution list? Together we can work on our inner strength and use this guide to help us become the women we are destined to be.
1.
One thing that most people dislike is the victim mentality. Every time we run into someone with this mentality, it's the same country song; "Woe is me, my husband left, took my dog and kicked my cat. Wa, wa, wa, poor me; feel sorry for me.” The negative energy this mentality breeds can make us want to turn around and go in the opposite direction. Take a look at how you communicate, if this is you, look at ways to change it.
A friend, I had known for years started playing the victim. Initially things were fine, but after her divorce, she started complaining about almost everything. If we were out shopping, at work, or on the phone, she was complaining --her daughter, her mother, her sister, where she lived, what she did for a living. I would offer her some friendly suggestions, but as always, she countered with reasons why changing would not work. It became hard to communicate with her and she didn’t listen when I tried to talk about the situation. It got so bad, I began to feel depressed after conversations with her, and unfortunately, I knew I had to let go of the friendship. Loving her as a friend, was hurting me as her friend. If all you need to do is vent to someone, start the conversation with “Girl I just need to vent,” that way you each will know your role in the conversation. Give your life more positive attention. Leave “woe is me” as someone else's song, or it will become your theme song. It's your choice. To become a stronger woman, you must get rid of your weak thinking. “Be the heroine of your own life, not the victim.”
2.
Perform an inventory of your life. Who doesn’t play a favorable role in your story?