Most likely, if you and I are similar, when angered or upset, we may feel the need to be friendly and kind, using our best manners when interacting with others. This is probably a human thing, but I believe it is especially prevalent in the Deep South. Our Mama’s instilled in us a strong expectation that we would always be nice. In addition, we Southern boys are trained, from a very early age to refrain from ANY behavior that may embarrass our Mama’s. Do you have a similar experience?

What Southern Mama’s don’t train us on is the idea that protecting our space is ok. By protecting one’s space, I mean by only allowing trusted, kind and empowering people into our home or other private space. (mind) This, dear Friends, is a skill many of us lack but most of us can learn. Protect your space. and…..For the record, mind space is also space.

What does this really mean? Be mindful of the people you invite into the spaces you hold sacred and safe. That is usually reserved for our homes, but in some cases, it may also be our workspace. Never intentionally invite or welcome anyone or anything into your space that will intentionally bring angst, anger, hostility, or unkind behavior or attitude. They may likely bring bad feelings or aggressive and unkind behavior with them. Key word, drama. This isn’t healthy for you. If this does happen, be nice and kindly reframe the situation in a way that marks the moment and establishes firm expectations with the offender for that moment and for the future as you interact with them After that, it’s up to you to take the conversation to the next level if they persist. This is likely an easier conversation with friends and family more so than with work peers.

So, as you move through your day, consider this. Protecting your personal space and keeping it safe away from people or things that may cause you chaos or angst, is a good thing. My Southern Mama will likely agree. BTW: I plan to share this with her tonight.

One word of caution, protecting your space doesn’t give you full license to be unkind. It isn’t intended to be offensive. It is intentional though. By reflecting on this, you may realize that your space is just that, Yours. It can be a respite from the world. It can be where you let your hair down. It can be anything you want it to be, and finally, you have the ability to invite or not invite anyone into that space.

So, as we continue on our shared journey, please know this. I happily invite you into this, my own space. I want to share with you and give you the opportunity to share with me and our readers. Let’s grow together. Chances are that our lives are more alike than not. In time, we will see. Let’s grow together.

Best of wishes to each of you.