“One of the most powerful lessons for all leaders is to embrace the importance of owning your space. When we own our space we say to the world that we belong, that we believe in our value and give ourselves every opportunity to shine, allowing others to form a positive impression of us.” – Jane Benston
From owning your physical space with a power pose to owning your peace of mind, learning that you’re in control is one of the most powerful things once can do.
Your physical ownership is where you purposely stay away from people and / or suggestions that do not bring you joy. Your mental ownership only comes when you love yourself enough to realize what healthy relationships are and aren’t.
Toxic people live without a method for any logic. In a physical space, they’ll stand in your way or near by just to remind you that they’re there. You have to laugh that one off. They do this as they blissfully believe they have power over you but the sad reality is that if they’re going out of their way to stand near you; which is pretty tragic, The toxicity in their mind is on display for not only you to see but for the world to see who they really are.
Rising above them in the physical space as it deprives them from the joy they’re hoping to feel if you show them that they got to you. Don’t even look in their direction nor waste a breath thinking of them again. You’re already above them and you don’t know it yet but when you don’t react to them, it is the healthiest and most positive thing you can do for YOU.
If your mental space is haunted by their attempts rise above once again and pray for them. Pray and forgive them without actually saying a word to them. Say it in your mind or write it in a letter then burn the letter. Don’t email yourself because you may accidentally email them and that’s not the way to go above moving forward from toxic people as it would only give them more fuel.
Never forget this one thing about owning your life and the people you have near: You deserve respect, kindness, and love. If you ever find yourself in a situation that doesn’t give you any of those things, you must walk away and know that you’re going to find other people to celebrate life with.
Life is a confusing journey that will bring in people; good and bad. Both stay and go but most of the bad one’s will teach you more than you ever thought you’d know. They’re help you, love you, hurt you, and then leave your life.
This isn’t a fun process but it’s a mandatory for you to learn because without them you may never know who you nor how to recognize the good ones.
Warning: The pain can push you to the brink of who you thought you were and just when you believe you’ll fall to your death you realize your vision wasn’t clear. It’s not a cliff after all, it’s just another level that you didn’t know existed till you grew to be the person you are now.
Own your life and mind.
Take Jane’s advice and shine.