I am SO offended!

Okay.

I know at one point or another, we’ve all said the words of this title (or something like it) in our heads. Someone at work.. at school.. at home.. said something that rubbed you the wrong way.

Okay, maybe they rubbed you like a brillo pad scotch taped on a jagged piece of sandpaper.  And now, you’re angry.

But I will let you in on something.  As much as we expect others to play the roles and read the lines we’ve written for them in our minds– most times they are going by their own script.  We can’t control what others day or do, but we CAN control how we react to those things! Although sometimes having those icky feelings may seem automatic, we do have a choice as to how WE will react.

Here are a few ideas:

1. Let it flow right on through/around you

Acknowledge the feeling you have. (Hi feeling!) And then tell yourself ‘Now, I am choosing not to be affected by this person/this comment.’ My well-being is too important to be affected by an opinion (that probably does not matter all that much.)

2. Take a time out

If you have just been on the receiving end of a long and highly-charged tongue-lashing, it is easy to absorb some of that negativity.  Consider removing yourself from the source of stress.  Have lunch outside your office or walk around the block and bring your snack.  This can give you a moment to compose your thoughts in a new environment and allow you to see things in a different perspective.

3.  Meditate and Pray

When the negative voices are so loud, take some time and just listen to the still, quiet voice inside.

Whichever strategy you pick, let the calmness and clear-headedness that follows guide you in taking a courageous step toward a better direction.

These are just 3 of the MANY ways to handle situations like these.  I only picked 3 because I want to know some of the methods you use! Share them!

<3 Elyssa @thesaylifecoach