Consider this : shake them off.
Dear Emma:
As you wander through life amidst all the goodness and love your heart finds, you’ll inevitably encounter random anger, ridicule, insults, resentment, indifference, rudeness, moodiness and insensitivity. When you do, dear Emma, please do your very best to remember the following:
1. Most of the time, it has nothing to do with you. While we are sometimes a target for others feelings, we are often not the reason for them.
2. These feelings are theirs: please don’t make them yours. Try not to own them or become responsible for them. If you must own something, let it be your need to offer gentle support and love.
3. Even when you know these feelings have nothing to do with you – and even if you weren't the intended target – they will sometimes stick. SHAKE THEM OFF, Emma. In your mind, see yourself blowing them away and dissolving into the air. Don’t let them ruin a good shirt, a good mood, or a good friendship.
4. To those who sent out these feelings, offer hugs, smiles, healing thoughts, warm wishes or prayers – whatever of these you believe is appropriate to both the person and the situation. Anything positive, never negative.
5. Try very hard not to be offended. Remember: it’s not about you.
Remember.
-Susie Riley
