Growing up, my dad constantly reminded me not to let people mistake my kindness for weakness.
My baby brain interpreted this as learning to clap back like my day job.
Yes, this got me into trouble. Debates that I would body, smoke that I’d welcome with open arms, and a level of machismo no other 3-foot-something elementary school girl had.
As my young, smooth brain developed ridges, my walls grew double my height. This random, self-made anger enhanced my confidence, self-esteem, and discipline as an athlete, making me THAT girl, at least to myself.
Eventually, I fostered beautiful friendships, let my walls fall [halfway], and slowly became less of a mini Mike Tyson.
These past few weeks have brought me back to my father’s words from nearly two decades ago.
Do not let people mistake your kindness for weakness.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Sunday Morning Juice to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.