This is a line many of us know from the 1992 Ice Cube single “Check Yourself”; depending on which side of pop culture you find yourself on, you may also remember it from one of Shonda Rhimes’ most iconic scenes on Grey’s Anatomy said with the eye popping accompanied neck roll -totes apropos!- by Dr. Calliope Torres. Today, I’m the one saying these words to you, but most importantly, reminding you to say these words to yourself as often as possible.
Last week I wrote about how you determine the price for your peace, today I’m reminding you that the first step to this is knowing your worth. That’s the first part of checking yourself, literally. When you know your worth, you won’t settle for less than what you know you’re worth, you ‘ll know to teach people how to treat you, you’ll know when it’s time to leave…
Here’s the thing, a lot of people don’t like themselves, and you know what they say, hurt people hurt people. A lot of people reign in tyranny when the service of authority knocks on their door; but you see, it’s a service, authority is a service to your so-called subjects but a lot of people see it as a throne where they rule with terror – you know, the ones that won’t be told or corrected or apologise- they don’t know what it is so as the late Dr. Myles Monroe once said, “where purpose is unknown, abuse is inevitable.”
There are people whose egos are fed by knowing that they hurt someone- abuse. These are people who are the first to frown on other kinds of abuse. If you notice trends that are yours here, check yourself before you wreck yourself, this level authority could very well be all or more than you’ll ever have if you fail the “least of these” test. If you are in any of these abusive situations, know your worth, correct the behaviour or leave, check yourself before you wreck yourself.
Remember, you first. Nothing ever for the price of your peace. Know when it’s enough, know when it’s time to leave and treat yourself with kindness and do what’s best for your sanity and deserving of your worth. If you’re going to pour out, it’s going to have to be into a worthy vessel, but first, you’re going to have to have something to pour.
Peace & Love Always,
Tshepiso Molakeng,
Quality Growth International
Quality Growth International 