In the course of my life there have been many occasions when I have had to learn where I stand. I am not a fighter by nature, so I will endure any situation for long long periods until the forces I am in push me to a point that I can no longer accept.
At this juncture I sit with myself and decide will I stand or will I fall.
There is a time to stand and there is a time to fall- I have chosen both on many occasions. The deciding factor for me is whether the issue is personal or political. When it is personal I will allow a fall and walk away quietly and gracefully, when it is political I will stand and chart my course for justice, changes that enhance mine and others ways of living or to protect someone I perceive is in need of protection.
On both occasions in the standing or falling I do watch to see who supports me or who turns on me- I usually say out loud when I see it “duly noted”. This allows me to make healthy choices later on in my life.
I will not ever betray the roots of my lineage nor the life lessons I learned along the Way. I will not ever betray or step away from my people.
Lori Ellis-McKinney (2014)
Photo ~ Prince Edward Island