Just Sayin’

It’s so hard for me to believe my baby girl is starting middle school this month!  

People weren’t kidding when they told me it would go fast. At each age and phase, I always think back to my life at that particular time. What was I doing? What sort of things were going on in my mind and my life? I have lots of happy thoughts. But one that was unpleasant, to say the least, and stuck with me for many years, happened in sixth grade.

My social studies teacher asked the class a question. I raised my hand, sure I knew the answer. Apparently, I didn’t. He stared at me for a few awkward seconds, then asked me to stand up. I remember thinking I had either just given the most intelligent, incredible answer, above and beyond the one he was looking for, or I was about to be embarrassed. The latter would be true. He asked me in front of all of my classmates, “Are you always this stupid or do you practice it?”

Mortified. Hot, red face. Lump in my throat. Laughter to join in with my peers so as not to show my true feelings.

The bell rang and I ran to the bathroom as fast as I could and cried harder than I ever had.

Confidence? Crushed.

Self-esteem? Destroyed.

All because of what Mr. Scott said to me.

I believed it. I doubted every word that came out of my mouth for the next I don’t even know how many years.

It took a very long time to rise above that. But, I did. And I’m proud of myself for doing it. Sometimes I wonder how in the world I ended up doing what I do for a living. But I do know that I wish I could locate that teacher and explain to him how important words are and how deeply his affected me for most of my life. 

I read something the other day that really resonated with me. A simple thought, really. But, one that is so true. “I am not who others say I am.”

I challenge you to rise above what ANYONE has ever said to make you feel “less than.” You are enough! And so am I.

Written by: Jenny Matthews

Jenny Matthews co-hosts The Morning Drive with Mike Kellar + Jenny Matthews on Q104 New Hit Country, weekday mornings from 6 – 10am. Connect at www.jennymatthewsonair.com and check out The Morning After with Mike Kellar + Jenny Matthews podcast!