“It is not about me.” Starting with that statement can make the difference between staying open versus collapsing into ego, anger, and/or fragility…a place where we are more apt to damage our relationships.
Although it may take me a moment to get there, I tend to do better when I remind myself that in most instances people are not intentionally trying to hurt me or leave me behind. And quite honestly the times that people ARE trying to hurt me it is most likely not about me, but rather something in need of healing on their end. Eads said it best with the statement “hurt people hurt people.”
Whether someone is lashing out at us or we find ourselves holding the sword due to a perceived slight, remembering that the world does not revolve around us can help…even if what is happening impacts us. How we handle the impact is the important part here. Breathe, stay curious to other perspectives, and resist the urge to hurt.
In this light remembering how small we are is actually the path to expansion as it allows us the opportunity to stay connected to our loved ones. Starting with “this is not about me” allows us an opportunity to pause and think rationally about what we do next.
How do you start?
