When was your first betrayal? For me, it was when I was four years old. I was allowed to cross the street – one block in any direction. I crossed the street at my grandparents’ in Providence Rhode Island to play with the kids there. The kids’ father saw me and acted like I had committed a crime. He brought me back in disgrace, acting like he was some kind of hero. I felt sure my mom would stick up for me, but she didn’t. She sat there with a silly grin on her face as he preached and proselytized. In my mind, I screamed, “One block in any direction!!! I’m allowed!” Outside I just cried.
It was a betrayal. The first I recall. Not the last. It was a betrayal where I learned to betray myself. It was a betrayal where I screamed inwardly and cried outwardly.
How many times and ways have I betrayed myself since?
When was the last time you betrayed yourself?
I was four years old at the time. Now I have many more options. We all do.
What does sticking up for yourself look like these days?
