Never, Ever De-value Yourself, Others Will Do It For You!

Dad had just stepped into the house momentarily as Katie Ann bounced with glee in her red and black spotted jumper suit. Up and down, up and down, she went on that green trampoline as her hair curls bounced with her as if to agree they were having a great time.

As a happy little girl, Katie Ann was having the time of her life. Daddy had just bought her that trampoline for her sixth birthday yesterday.

Katie Ann suddenly stopped and placed her gaze on the dark blue sedan that pulled up to the back drive way. Though she lived with her Daddy, her Mommy would come visit when she was in town.

“It’s Mommy,” she squealed with excitement.

“Don’t stop” said Mommy, as she walked towards Katie Ann, “Show me what you can do on that trampoline.”

Katie Ann looked towards the window and saw Daddy waving at her and Mommy.

Katie Ann showed off the safe little stunts she had learned the day before. As she got ready to give Mommy a hug, she noticed Mommy had a serious look on her face.

“Come on Katie Ann,” Mommy said with a quivering voice.

Katie Ann sensed something wasn’t right. Maybe Mommy and Daddy had another one of those 'talks' on the phone.

“Come on darling, jump into my arms. I’ll catch you,” Mommy said as she held out her open arms to Katie Ann.

Katie Ann stood proud and straightened out her jumper suit. She held out her arms and flung herself towards Mommy’s arms.

But wait...!

As if in slow motion and in mid air, she saw Mommy move aside!

Totally unexpectedly Katie Ann landed sharply on the ground!

With skinned bloody knees and tears running down her scuffed up little face, Katie Anne looked at Mommy with bewilderment.

Katie Ann sat on the ground, sobbing as Mommy bent over her, looked her straight in the eye and said, “Don’t you ever, ever trust anybody!”

Katie Ann’s happy little face went from bewilderment to anger.

Mommy’s goal had been imprinted on her daughter for a life time just as Mommy intended.

In reality, some of us carry with us some sort of similar experience. The hurts and de-valuing experiences imprinted on us either when we were a child or later as we became adults in adult relationships may still hurt and can be permanent, regardless of childhood or adult status.

However…

Once we’re aware of the impact and the negative result they’ve had on our lives we have some control over them. We can change the results if we have the willingness...

Book excerpt: Your Positive Potential: Action Steps for Self-Empowerment Your Positive Potential: Action Steps for Self-Empowerment