This saying from Janis Joplin can sometimes be easier said than done. Maintaining relationships with family, friends, or even colleagues, requires give and take.

Many times, issues we concede to others may not affect us significantly; so it may not be too difficult or inconvenient to do so. The issue may be more important to them, and there may not be any real value in us trying to get our way.

However, if one is not careful, compromising can be a slippery slope. Paradoxically, it is not the action of compromising that tends to be the more difficult for women. Rather, it is speaking up when we need to: so that we do not compromise ourself by conceding on issues that are important to us.

According to Melinda Gates, finding our voice can be remarkable difficult, but using our voice takes work. More importantly, it is in using our voice that we become clearer about who we are, along with what we think and feel, which can be tremendously empowering.

So starting from today, when you are in a situation that has your inner voice concerned, see if you can find the strength to speak up. It may not be pretty. You might end up fumbling or being more long winded than you would like, but that may be because you have not practiced enough.

 

Throughout the day, we invite you to revisit this quote. Below are a few questions you may wish to ask yourself, and those who journal may find them especially useful:

• When was the last time I compromised on an issue and later regretted it?
• Why did I acquiesce? Why didn’t I say something?
• What do I know about my non-negotiables, i.e. the things I should not compromise on?
• If I am confronted with a non-negotiable issue, what might I need to do, or to have in place, in order to be able to stand my ground?

 

 

Best wishes, and have a great day!