Walk Magazine - September 2016

GET OVER IT… BAD HEALTH

AND MORE Learn how Jumping Rope Lowers Calories

Ladies of

TO DO OR NOT

TO DO?

THAT IS THE QUESTION… Effective ways to date for teens from parents

Distinction WALKING

INTO MORE LIVES

EVERY DAY See How W.I.T. Inc Has Expanded

Event Highlights and Expansion

GET

EVERYTHING

YOU ASKED FOR

Explore methods to raise relationship standards

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TOGETHER We

Empower

Young Girls, Ladies, Women, And

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Communities

TABLE OF CONTENTS

6 Founder’s Message 7 Take A Leap Into Better Health

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And Lower Calaries

8 Dating Dos and Don’ts for Teens 10 Healthy Relationship Conference

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11 What Is Walk In iT 12 Walk In It Gala 14 Walk In It Women’s Conference 17 10 ways to overcome low self-esteem

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18 Supporters 20 L.E.A.P. 22 Founder’s Corner 23 BOOK EXCERPT STAY CONNECTED WITH US... www.facebook.com/walkinit Text “Walk” To “55469”

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www. pinterest.com/walkinitinc

www. twitter.com/walkinitinc

www.instagram.com/walkinitinc P.O. Box 1447 Suffolk, VA 23664

www.walkinit.com

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walkinitinc@gmail.com

WE HAVE EXPANDED

Ladies of Distinction Now Serving 18 Sites 2016-2017 School Year

Transforming the lives of over 500 Girls EVERY MONTH

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

HIGH SCHOOLS

Capron Elementary School, Southampton County, VA Deep Creek High Chesapeake, VA Forest Glen Middle Suffolk, VA

Booker T. Washington Suffolk, VA John F. Kennedy Suffolk, VA

Franklin High Franklin, VA

Fresh Start Center Southampton County, VA

King’s Fork High Suffolk, VA

Elephant’s Fork Suffolk, VA John Yeates Suffolk, VA

Lakeland High Suffolk, VA

Hillpoint Elementary Suffolk, VA

JP King Middle Franklin, VA Nansemond River High Suffolk, VA Meherrin Elementary Southampton County, VA SP Morton Elementary Franklin, VA

King’s Fork Middle Suffolk, VA

Southampton High Southampton County, VA

Founder’s Message

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ow, what a great year it has been! I am overwhelmed with appreciation as I reflect on all of the support, encouragement, and work that has been offered to our organization. In 2007, when we launched our first Ladies of Distinction Site who knew that we would go from 16 girls to almost 500 girls monthly. Seeing our girls emerge into ambitious, confident, talented, strong, well-rounded girls has been truly fulfilling. Because of the tremendous individuals who are devoted to the success of our youth we continue to thrive.

Now serving approximately 500 girls every month, we are making an impact in numerous school systems and communities. I am passionate about continuing this work and helping to develop our next generation of problem solvers, leaders, and world changers. As our participants excel, each of our supporters excel.

I appreciate your continued support and look forward to continuing to change lives one day, one school, one person, one community, one step at a time.

Jennell Riddick

Jennell Riddick

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Holistic Health

Holistic Health is key to our organization. We offer programs that educate and empower our girls to be holistically healthy and strong. From tutoring to character education we want the girls to be confident and well-rounded. They are taught problem solving skills and how to overcome challenges presented. Get Fit days, jump rope contests, and other physical programs are offered as we emphasize total body strength.

Take A Leap Into Better Health And Lower Calories Jumping Rope Exercises That Blast Calories

By SELENE YEAGER (www.prevention.com)

Like millions of adults, you probably haven’t picked up a jump rope since grade school. But if you’re looking for a killer calorie burner (almost 200 calories in 15 minutes) that’s simple enough to entertain kids on a playground, yet intense enough to help condition the world’s most chiseled prizefighters, it could be time to grab a rope and brush up on some of those schoolyard rhymes.

Here’s what you can get from 30 minutes of rope jumping:

TOP OF FORM • 318 calories burned (brisk pace,

based on a 140-pound woman) • Your muscles—the gastrocnemius, quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, abdominals, forearms, and deltoids—get a workout.

• Your agility, hand-to-eye coordination, and balance will improve so that you’ll feel more sure on your feet.

• Rope jumping is also second to none for building strong bones.

ers, hit play on your boom box, and jumpstart your fitness right now.

GETTING STARTED The key piece of equipment is a good jump rope. For performance and quality, you can’t beat a plastic beaded or segmented rope. This style of rope weighs about a half-pound, which is just enough weight to give it momentum as it swings around so you don›t waste energy keeping the rope in motion.

And unlike very lightweight materials like leather, cotton, or nylon, beaded ropes hold a nice wide arc and are less likely to tangle in midair, which means you’re less likely to end up catching your feet and

If you are concerned that you’re too uncoordinated or worried about your knees, don’t be. With the right technique, jumping rope is easy to master, actually strengthens your joints, and is pretty cool to do. There are even group jumping classes and video workouts that help make rope jumping fun and accessible no matter what your level of fitness or coordination. Or you can pick up a few point-

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feeling frustrated. To test for proper rope fit, step on the center of the rope. The handles should come up to your chest.

Because rope jumping is a bouncy workout, you’ll need good shoes and a snug sports bra. A quality pair of aerobic or cross-training shoes are the best choice because they have added support at the ball of your foot, which is where you land. Help your breasts stay put with an encapsulation sports bra. Because this kind of bra holds each breast separately in a supportive cup, it’s ideal for women with C-cup breasts or larger. You can find this kind of bra in any sporting goods store.

Once you start skipping, the key to success is taking your time. Even if you skipped from sunrise to sunset as a kid, it’s going to take a few sessions to get back into a rhythm and to build your fitness.

Rope jumping sends your heart rate skyward quickly, so don’t be surprised if you have to stop after just 1 to 2 minutes the first time you try it. Just jog in place, catch your breath, and jump for another miniround when you’re ready.

Aim to do your rope jumping 3 or 4 days a week. Beginners should try to complete one 5- to 15-minute session. More experienced jumpers can shoot for 20 to 40 minutes. Remember that you can alternate jumping styles if one becomes boring. Or you can jump in intervals lasting a few minutes each, then take a break to jog in place or do calisthenics like ab crunches or chair dips, so that your total exercise time is about 30 minutes and you’re jumping rope about two-thirds of that time.

PARENTING YOUR TEEN:

Dating Dos and Don’ts for Teens

By JULIE BAUMGARDNER (www.more4kids.info/586/teenage-dating-tips)

A young mom was talking with her 8-year-old daughter about her day at school when the daughter revealed she had a boyfriend. Mom, in her infinite wisdom said, “You are really too young to have a boyfriend.

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ou should have lots of boys as friends at your age.” The little girl sighed and said, “I know, but when I am 14, I will be old enough to date.” Somewhat surprised by the comment, the mother asked her daughter what you do on a date. With no hesitation, the daughter said, “You have sex.” With all kinds of thoughts reeling through her head, the mother asked, “Where did you hear that?” The little girl told her mother she had heard it at school from her friends who heard it from their older siblings.

Are you shocked? That mother sure was.

But, in reality, should we be surprised? Have you ever had a discussion with your teen about the purpose of dating or what you do on a date? In an informal survey of teens, many of them stated that they have never had a conversation with their parents about dating other than curfew and expectations concerning drinking and driving. Many parents have the belief, “nobody talked to me about dating and I turned out pretty good so what’s the big deal?”

Studies show that teenagers crave intimacy and adolescents are beginning to date at earlier ages. Today, the average age for a person to begin dating is 13. In 1924 the average age was 16. Research has shown that serious adolescent relationships before either partner is emotionally mature can have detrimental effects for identity formation and even life

and health. Adolescents who are dating because of peer pressure or a need to belong can experience significant disappointment.

Teen pregnancy, Sexually transmitted infections, broken hearts, and depression, are common themes for those who work with teens. It is estimated that 15 percent of teen suicides are due to the breakup of an unhappy dating relationship.

In this day and age, when teens are receiving mixed messages from many directions about relationships, having parents who are willing to engage in a discussion about dating smarts is definitely a plus.

In his book, The Six Most Important Decisions You Will Ever Make: A Guide for Teens, Sean Covey defines for teens the difference in intelligent dating and brainless dating.

“Intelligent dating is dating successfully, being selective about who you date, hanging out and having fun, remaining steady through the natural highs and lows of romance, and keeping your own standards.

Brainless dating is dating ineffectively, dating anyone who has a pulse, becoming centered on your girlfriend or boyfriend, having your heart broken repeatedly, and doing what everyone else seems to be doing.”

Studies indicate that many of today’s teens are taking dating far too seriously. One out of three teenage girls report experiencing physical violence from a dating partner, yet many of them stay in the relationship stating, “But I love him,” or “A bad relationship is better than no relationship at all.” Instead of understanding that teen dating is about meeting many different people and that breaking up is not a sign of failure, they get caught up in believing they will find Mr. or Mrs. Right in high school. Truth be known, very few people actually marry their high school sweetheart.

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Covey gives teens and parents six guidelines for intelligent dating, which would be great jumping off points for discussion: Don’t date too young – Dating too young can lead to all kinds of problems including getting taken advantage of, getting physical too soon, or not knowing how to end a relationship.

Date people your own age – Dating guys several years older than you isn’t healthy.

Get to know lots of people – By getting too serious too soon you cut yourself off from other relationships. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to have a girlfriend or boyfriend. Date a lot of different people and have fun.

Date in groups – It is often more fun and there is safety in numbers.

Set boundaries – Decide BEFORE you start dating what kind of people you will date. Decide what is off limits and don’t let anyone change your mind.

Have a plan – before you go on a date have a plan.

Teaching teens dating basics early on can save then a lot of heartache. In addition to parental discussions, adolescents can also benefit from healthy dating relationship skills classes that teach the fundamental components of establishing healthy and stable interpersonal relationships with family, friends, dating partners, and eventually, husbands and wives. These classes teach adolescents to recognize important factors in healthy relationships and, hopefully, make thoughtful decisions about their relationships before entering into marriage.

“The Hampton Roads Community Foundation is southeastern Virginia’s largest grant and scholarship provider. Since its founding in 1950, the regional community foundation and its donors have provided nearly $200 mi11ion in grants and scholarships to improve life in southeastern Virginia.”

We would like to thank the Hampton Roads Community Foundation for their grant funding which will assist multiple Ladies of Distinction Sites. Because of their generous gift over 100 girls wi11 be able to take part in after school academic sessions, in addition to life­changing mentoring sessions.

The girls will give back to each of their communities as well.

We can’t wait to see the tremendous impact that this funding will help us make in these ladies lives, their schools, and their overall communities.

Conference Workshops on Healthy Relationships

Healthy Relationship

Conference

Each February Walk In It sponsors a Healthy Relationship Conference for Ladies of Distinction Members are other community individuals and groups.

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he day is packed with interactive sessions where participants are instructed on the importance of healthy relationships with peers, adults, and in dating. They are encouraged to choose friends wisely and taught how to handle difficult situations responsibly.

They are affirmed and empowered to be leaders and positive contributors to their communities. The conference culminates with a semi-formal evening banquet to which the participants are chauffeured in limousines. Participants are treated like VIP in a beautifully decorated venue with great food and fun with peers.

vidual power and the strength in healthy self-esteem. They were empowered to know that they must be intentional about how they present themselves in person and on social media.

2016’s Healthy Relationship Conference workshop titles were connected to social media forums. Workshop titles included: Snap Chat Who’s That? This session helped participants understand their indi-

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TWITTER: Who Are You Following? This sessions discussed the importance of healthy friendships and the importance of being a leader.

INSTAGRAM: The Difference a Moment Makes. Many people would admit that sometimes they act or speak without considering potential consequences. This session encouraged the students to be mindful of the immediate and long term effects of decisions.

What Is Walk In iT In the Spring of 2003, while a junior at the University of Richmond Walk In iT, began as a dream in the mind of Jennell Whitfield Riddick. At the age of 21, she had already distinguished herself as a passionate leader, gifted and sought after speaker, and dynamic motivator, yet she desired to do more.

PERFORMANCE WITH A PURPOSE

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s she more deeply sought her purpose she was inspired to help others walk in their purposes as well.

Thus, Walk in It sprung forth. W.I.T became the umbrella under which Riddick would host conferences, speak at community events, impact school systems, write books, and much more. To date W.I.T has blessed many youth and women. Individuals have been empowered through mentorship, conferences, assemblies, and one-on-one life coaching.

LADIES OF DISTINCTION This group is designed to help young ladies discover and operate in their full potential.

These groups meet consistently and offer a time for open and honest dialogue. The ladies are taught how to develop and main-

tain high self-esteem, healthy relationships, goals, and much more. This group also take various exposure trips including an annual beach empowerment retreat which is always a highlight of the year.

W.I.T. EDUCATION Without a doubt it is important that our youth be equipped with a strong education. W.I.T offers customized curriculum for students and can easily be implemented into your current family life education.

Lessons include practical and interactive teaching on choosing friends, handling peer pressure, setting goals, and much more. The lessons taught are from a program approved by the Virginia Board of Education and meet all requirements for family life education classes in the state.

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Coming soon W.I.T will offer a performing arts component. With the strong media presence to which our youth are exposed that does not always offer the most uplifting messages, W.I.T will offer performance with a purpose. Each energy packed performance will teach life skills through drama, dancing, and song.

Walk In It Gala The 3rd Annual Walk In It Gala was a tremendous success! Ladies of Distinction of the Year from each school site were honored for upholding Ladies of Distinction principles throughout the year.

Fort Lee, Virginia as a Supervisory Logistics Plans Specialist. She is active in her church and community. Whether serving within her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Inc., or other capacity, she believes in giving back to others.

Stiletto Award Winner in the field of Faith Mrs. Juanita Smith

utstanding women in various fields were also honored with the Stiletto Award, for women who walk tall among us.

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through her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., her church, and as part of numerous boards and professional affiliations.

Stiletto Award Winner in the field of Education was presented to Mrs. Barbara Warren-Jones.

Stiletto Award Winner in the field of Government/Military was Mrs. Willie Miller-Walker

With 34 years of service within the field of education, Mrs. Barbara Warren Jones is passionate about investing in others.

She is very involved in her community

Mrs. Miller-Walker retired as a Department of Army employee with 44 years of service, from the United States Army Combined Arms Support Command,

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Juanita W. Smith is President of Kingdom Building Equipping School, Inc. (KBES).

She worked 30 years in the Federal Government and retired in 1997 as the Executive Director of Human Resources, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Fort Belvoir VA. Juanita is an accomplished inspirational and motivational speaker, mentor and author; but her true passion is teaching. She does it all with faith and grace and encourages others to do the same.

2016-2017

Calendar of Major Events September 24, 2016 SELF ESTEEM WALK AND RALLY KINGS FORK MIDDLE, Suffolk VA

February 11, 2017 HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP CONFERENCE

March 24-25, 2017 WALK IN IT WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

April 8, 2017 R.E.D. (RAISING EXCELLENT DAUGHTERS) EVENT

April 29th, 2017 WALK IN IT GALA NEWPORT NEWS, VA

May CLOSING RECEPTIONS & SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATIONS FORE RESPECTIVE LOD SITES

Walk In It Women’s Conference This year’s theme was I Was Made For This…! We wanted all of our ladies to leave knowing that no matter how many hats they wear or roles they play, they were created and set-up to succeed.

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rom the Friday night paint night session, to empowering sessions and enriching fellowship, all on the beachfront, a great time was had!

Friday night featured a Paint Night full of fun. The ladies enjoyed talking, laughing, relaxing, and allowing their creative juices to flow. (insert paint night pictures and other action photos)

This conference always offers a time for women to be honest and transparent about many of the issues that we face daily. Participants are encouraged and offered practical tools for continued success.

Dynamic Sessions were offered from our Founder, Jennell Riddick, Pastor Pamela Mclaughlin of Petersburg VA, Pastor

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Matisha Dentu of Newport News, Pastor Yvonne Wright-Dunn of Portsmouth VA, and Pastor Y-Tushae McNeil of Greenville, North Carolina.

Instead of being overwhelmed due to the many roles they play, women left the conference empowered, smiling, and saying I can handle this because “I Was Made For This…”

R.E.D.

Raising Excellent Daughters is going strong into its second year. This program offers support, encouragement, and resources to Ladies of Distinction parents and community members.

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eople often say that parenting does not come with a manual, which is true. We endeavor to provide a place where parents can also grow, learn, share ideas, and be empowered. Whether at a Mother/Daughter Brunch or Parental Outing our ladies are taught the importance of healthy relationships with parents, peers, and adults. We have found that parental involvement positively impacts the overall success of the student.

Individual sites had R.E.D. events and the first large event was held at John F. Kennedy Middle School. Individual sessions were conducted for parents and for the ladies. The girls and parents participated in relationship building activities in am energetic and exciting community. General sessions featuring our Mother/Daughter Gameshow and a dynamic guest speaker made the day enjoyable and impactful for all.

The next community R.E.D. event will be April 8, 2017.

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Thanks to The Many WIT & LOD Volunteers

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10 ways to overcome

low self-esteem L Journalist Deborah Ward offers her handy tips on coping with low confidence

by Psychologies

ow self-esteem is seeing yourself as inadequate, unacceptable, unworthy, unlovable, and/or incompetent. These beliefs create negative, self-critical thoughts that affect your behaviour and your life choices, often lowering your self-esteem even further. Using the tools of mindfulness, you can learn to look at situations, other people and yourself objectively, without the negative influence of the past and with the awareness that you always have a choice, says Deborah Ward.

LIVE IN THE MOMENT When you are focused on the moment, you can choose your actions consciously and wisely, unaffected by the hurts of your past and unconcerned by worries or hopes about the future.

DEVELOP AWARENESS When we’re aware, we can recognise how we are responding and reacting to our own fears, creating a moment between our emotions and our actions. We can then choose to respond in a healthier way.

WRITE IN A JOURNAL

Many of our thoughts and feelings are locked in our subconscious mind and writing can help to bring them into our awareness. Writing about the way we feel and think can help to separate negative ideas about ourselves from the truth of who we really are.

When we approach our lives non-judgementally, we simply accept ourselves, our experiences, our failures and successes and other people just as they are, neither good or bad, without pride or shame.

cepting that those thoughts, feelings and beliefs are transient, rather than parts of yourself. Take a few moments every day to simply be still, focus on your breathing and watch your worries drift away like clouds.

STAY CONNECTED TO YOURSELF

PARTICIPATE IN YOUR OWN LIFE

BE NON-JUDGEMENTAL

Mindfulness can help you to develop a sense of connection to yourself and reduce your people-pleasing ways by allowing you to stop the autopilot thinking and behaviour that keeps you jumping to please others without thinking of your own needs.

Mindfulness encourages us to become active and assertive in creating our own lives. Awareness of your thoughts and choosing your responses to them enables you to take action and participate in your own life.

PRACTICE MINDFUL MEDITATION

When you have a beginner’s mind, you look at things as if you are seeing them for the first time, with openness, eagerness and freedom from expectation. You can see things in a new light, rather than automatically responding with the same old patterns of behaviour.

Meditation just means letting go of the racing thoughts in your mind and ac-

DEVELOP A BEGINNER’S MIND

LET GO Non-attachment, or letting go, is the goal of mindfulness. When you let go of what you think you should do or who you should be, you can trust yourself and choose what’s right for you.

SHOW COMPASSION TOWARD YOURSELF You deserve love as much as anyone else.

Self-compassion simply means providing yourself with the love, safety and acceptance you need.

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Look What We Did Together!

Give Local 757.org was a tremendous success.

OUR GOAL WAS $8,000. WE RAISED $10,472!

To every supporter who gave and spread the message to family members and friends thank you for your kind support. We couldn’t have done it without you! We are looking forward to your continued support with THE NEXT GIVE LOCAL 757 MAY 9, 2017 12:00AM.

SUPPORTERS We are incredibly thankful to all of our grantors, schools, business, and individual supporters. Major financial supporters include:

HAMPTON ROADS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

OBICI HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

LATORA MATTHEWS AND THE CAPITAL GROUP

AFFORDABLE SMALL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LLC.

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THANK YOU Obici Healthcare For your support and grant for Ladies of Distinction Programs The Obici Healthcare Foundation is a private Foundation established in 2006 with assets established through the generosity of Amedeo Obici and funds from the merger of the Obici Health System and Sentara Health Care.

The Foundation is an independent entity unrelated to any other health organization.

The Foundation is governed by an independent board composed of citizens living in Suffolk and in surrounding communities in the previous service area of the Louise Obici Memorial Hospital.

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hat if you had a connection with women who are willing to take the mask off and share with you the honest truth about struggling with sermon development, the midnight moments of ministry, and the futuristic fortitude needed to juggle family and friendships? This is what L.E.A.P. is all about. A moment during your week to join in with other women and know: “You’re not alone.”

Let’s take each other’s hands and L.E.A.P.!!!

We realized that as women we need more anointed partnerships. More women who have a circle of influence and who strive to give God their best. More honest women who know that ministry though magnificent, has its moments.

Thus the birth of L.E.A.P.: Ladies Embracing Anointed Partnerships.

Come join us as we share and exchange Wisdom and the Word of God.

Angel & Jennell

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TAKE A LEAP and join the Partnership

Get Motivational Messages Dr. Angel White

LEARN MORE ABOUT A CUSTOMIZED MENTORSHIP WITH BOTH DR ANGEL & JENNELL CONNECT TO OTHER WOMEN ASPIRING TO ACHIEVE PURPOSE Via text Message: Text leapnow To 81010 Or Join Here remind.com/join/leapladies

Rev. Jennell Riddick

Find us on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram facebook.com/leap facebook.com/leapladiesnow twitter.com/leapladies www.instagram.com/leapladies

Get Information, Life Transforming Messages, Empowerment Tools Via Email http://eepurl.com/cddNAT

Founder’s Corner

Our founder served as the Keynote Speaker at James Madison University’s Female Institute.

Our Founder is continuing to make us proud and positively impact the lives of so many. She earned the 2016 Female Community Service Award from the Suffolk Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. The 2016 Male Community Service Award went to Dr. Deran Whitney, Superintendent of Suffolk Public Schools.

Our founder facilitated at Paul D. Camp Community College’s Upward Bound Program

ABOUT THE FOUNDER Jennell Whitfield Riddick is the Founder of Walk In It Inc. For over 15 years she has been immersed in community development and helping people operate in their maximum potential. Full of passion and creativity Mrs. Riddick continues to support, empower, and mentor girls and women. Whether speaking at a school-wide assembly, addressing educators and administrators, hosting a conference, or doing small group mentoring, participants young and old alike note the strength they have gained from this extraordinary woman.

Our founder served as a speaker for York County School Division Opening School Year Convocation.

As a wife, mother of two, Founder, Adjunct Instructor at Paul D. Camp Community College, Director of Ministries at First Baptist Church, Franklin VA or student pursuing her Doctoral Degree, Mrs. Riddick does it all with grace and style.

Our founder was named a Pioneer In Children’s Wellbeing.

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BOOK EXCERPT

No Trash Please…I am not a Trashcan

You Get What You Accept “The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settled for.”

-Maureen Dowd

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o you fear making people upset or angry with you? Many of us do. Most people shy away from confrontation. “I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings,” many of us say. It is great to be a kind person.

I recommend that you treat everyone with respect and kindness. It will take you far in life. You will reap what you sow. If you sow seeds of kindness and respect, then you will receive the same. If you are intentional about complimenting and finding the strengths in others, you will receive more compliments in return. However, I must be honest and admit that everyone is not going to treat you this way. Unfortunately there are some people who seem to have no problem making others feel bad and inferior. These people seem to get a thrill out of being rude to others and making them feel poorly. You cannot allow these people to continue to treat you however they feel. You don’t deserve that. You are a treasure, whether they recognize it or not. Now please listen. I am not saying physically fight, because that does not solve much. I am saying don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself. Don’t be afraid to act like you know who you are.

When you act like you know who you are, others can’t help but recognize it too.

another chapter though! Anyway, he was nice in the beginning, but then I noticed a change shortly after we broke up. I knew that he would not be happy about the breakup, but I had to do what was right for me. I want to encourage you to do the same. Doing what is right for you, especially when it comes to relationships is so important. This guy began to look at me strange and murmur under his breath when I would walk by. After a few days, I decided that that behavior was not acceptable. I didn’t have to put up with that and I was not going to.

One day after school he was by himself in the hall. I calmly asked him to come over to where I was. I told him that I did not like how he was responding to me.

I still remember the phrase I used. “You may not like me, but you will respect me.” He looked strange at first because this was not my typical demeanor. I was the girl who was really nice, full of energy, and almost always having a great day. He was shocked. After a pause he apologized and never treated me like that again. I am not saying that he was super nice or anything after that, but I took a stand and he had to recognize it. I share this story with you ladies because I know and see so many people who are disrespected regularly. You don’t deserve that, but if you keep accepting it, you will keep receiving it.

Maybe you have made some mistakes; we all have. Mistakes do not mean that people can or should treat you like you are not important.

I remember dating this guy in middle school. I probably should have never dated him anyway...Dating is

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