Becoming a dignified person might be part of growing up

(From my original Blogspot)

For any of you who read this and know me, you know that I am rarely composed. I am high energy and emotional and wordy. But I am learning that composure is a powerful stance. A mature friend of mine recently said, "nothing is worth losing your dignity." I've been thinking about that lately.

The outcome to a touchy situation is much better if I know my mind and stay composed throughout the experience, not necessarily giving any ground, but kindly and calmly defending my position. "Defending" sounds too harsh....what I mean is really a willingness on my own part to advance my position without forcing others to feel or behave a certain way about it. It means respecting myself and believing in myself enough to expect others to see my merit without having to fight too hard. Someone once described it as acting like a queen: a simple wave of the hand gets results - tantrums are entirely unnecessary.

Yes, I am in my 30's and just only now beginning to understand this concept. Some of us are slower learners in certain areas (for instance, me). But I've clung to my uncomposed ways because they are more exciting. I like all kinds of excitement in life (in more ways than one), and I find it a little frightening to let go of my own drama....like someone is slicing part of my personality away. Ugh. I hope being dignified won't be boring.