Every decision you make, BIG and small, deserves consideration.

If you’re one of those people who says, “Eh, I just go with the flow.” STOP IT. That’s laziness. You create your own flow.

I remember years ago at an internship, a supervisor of mine told me, “Lauren, some people are the wind, others are the weather vanes. Always be the wind.”  

I’m not saying it’s a given that making a decision and stating it clearly will always hold weight with the person on the receiving end of your answer.

Teen dating violence is on the rise. Which means that it’s possible you might say, “No, I am not interested in having sex with you,” and it won’t matter.

A report published by The Center for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that among the victims of sexual violence, physical violence and stalking by an intimate partner, approximately 26% of females were first victimized before they were 18-years-old.

I’m not trying to scare you.

What’s scarier than knowing the ugly truth is going into this world blind and naive. Knowledge is power and it can be your saving grace in the really tough times.

If you’re asserting your decision on what you prefer for dinner and you’re not being heard, that’s one thing. But, if you find yourself in a situation that feels unsafe, call 911, call or live chat with RAINN, the national sexual assault hotline (save that # in your contacts), and GET OUT of there.

My hope is that contemplating all aspects of an upcoming situation in advance will help you to avoid those that are potentially dangerous, when possible.

Let’s #DoThisThing so you can say what you mean and mean what you say every single time.

This is how you create the flow, become the wind, use your voice.

Download this week’s worksheet here!

Illustration by Jane Beaird, worksheet by Jess Meoni.