When is it time to bare your teeth?

I often write about compromise, understanding that ourselves and others have wounds, and being gentle with each other. And I do firmly believe in that-especially in close relationships, but there are times when we must "push back" at a situation, a person, a job, the culture,our internal critic, etc. For many of us this is very easy to do when we feel our children have been violated in some way- watch out then! But we do not often protect ourselves in the same ways we would our children.

There are other predators out there though, some internal and some external who will tell you that you are not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, who make fun of your gifts and your desires, tell you that you make bad decisions and shouldn't trust yourself. When this happens, it is time to bare your teeth, growl and demand that they back off!

Do not accept these things as truth! Look into your own heart to decide what is true or not. More often than not, others have their own agendas that they unwittingly (and sometimes wittingly!) put on us. Your own discernment of the truth and what is right for you, is the guidance or "medicine" that you need.

When you hear from inside your own head or from another person that you are not good enough- say NO! That is wrong! I am good enough. When someone tells you that your dreams are foolish- they are wrong! We need more dreamers in this world, and many of our dreams we may not act upon, and that is OK, and absolutely no reason to not keep on dreaming.

It is not only OK, but imperative that you protect yourself from the internal and external critics. Do not ask for feedback from people who are critical of you (unless you truly trust their advice and think they are objective). Choose your counsel very carefully and make sure they are wise, can see deeply and want the best for you. Your inner counsel is always your best ally.