We cannot control what people say or do, but we can control how we respond to it. It’s important to remember that no one can make you feel anything; you choose to feel that way. It is unfortunate how a few unkind words or obvious negative body language can affect us. I’ve seen successful and confident people wilt under the glare of another person’s disapproval. None of us is perfect, and we all make mistakes, so only take constructive feedback to the degree that it helps you improve and grow. If the feedback isn’t constructive, simply block it out or ignore it.
I also believe it’s important to check the other person’s motivations. Some people have a hidden (impure) agenda and try to bring others down because of jealousy or insecurities. As a society, we sadly often do this to people whom we initially crown as celebrities once they show their flaws and human frailties.
We must also understand that individuals often dislike those they have hurt. It is a constant reminder of how they failed another fellow human being. Rather than seeking forgiveness, they choose to see only those things about the other person that justify their injurious behavior in the first place.
It’s impossible to go through life and have every person you interact with like you. Some connections aren’t meant to be. Don’t fret or worry too much when you don’t connect with people. All you can do is be the best “you” that you can be. When you misstep or do something wrong, own it, apologize, and move on. When you need to seek forgiveness, ask for it and remember to provide it in return. Always model the behavior you want to see in others, even when it is difficult.
Ultimately, we are in charge of our thoughts. Someone else can only make you feel small if you let him or her. Don’t get mired in the negative energy put out by other people. It will only ever hold you back. Pursue your life’s journey with passion, honesty, integrity, dignity, empathy, valor, and love, and then let the chips fall where they may. When you stumble, pick yourself up and keep moving forward. If someone else wants to be an obstacle in your path toward happiness and enlightenment, step around them. They can only obstruct your path if you let them.
Related articles
- How To Handle Feedback (premaseem.wordpress.com)
- Love Yourself the Right Way (jayrando.wordpress.com)
- On Resentment and Choice by Psychic Gabriel (psychicsource.com)
- Forgive (nicoleciccarelli.com)
- Living in the Shadow of the Past and the Power of Forgiveness (notinindia2012.wordpress.com)
- Perspective Perception (notlostjustweird.com)
- Perspective, Life, and Change. (thenextworldover.wordpress.com)
- Why it really is so difficult to deal with difficult people, and 5 things you can do about it (victorschueller.wordpress.com)