Ep-24- (Don't take it personally.) Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?

I know they didn't talk to me like that. Or they didn't just cut me off in traffic? Or a varying assortment of other crap that life has to offer. But still, "Don't take it personally." Have you ever considered how many people don't see another day or lose their freedom from taking things personally? I read a news article where a man came home early and found his wife in bed with another man. The husband killed the man. Then, his wife came to court with another man during the trial. I know some of you would say, "He made me do it." And "She made me do it." And let's not forget, "I had to." But the truth is no one makes us do anything; we choose what we do. If we make choices in the heat of the moment, we will regret our choices. I don't think I have ever been satisfied with a reactionary decision. Honestly, I have been neck-deep in poop from hasty, emotion-based decisions. The intensity of the reaction usually has some underlying amplification. Is there anything worse than being late to work? And then not making it through a traffic light because the person in front of you was texting and didn't see the light turn green? We could write a complete series on personal experiences. As we can see, we can only avoid these instances from other people if we move into the middle of nowhere. Then, it could be a wild animal that sees us as its next meal, so the threat never stops. Some things happen, which brings us to my main point. Don't take it personally. There are millions of stories with their own stories constantly interacting. And when our story intersects or crashes into someone else's story, it can be nothing or everything. We sometimes need to realize we are often the architects of the outcome. Most of us don't get up in the morning hoping for a horrible day. If we take a minute, we wish for a beautiful day. If we keep that in mind when we have the choice of messing up our day or life, the logical alternative is a peaceful day. So, why don't we make that choice one hundred percent of the time? Let me introduce you to my "Little Friend!" I use the term "friend" loosely. The harmful actor is pride and his equally destructive side-kick ego. These two influences have been responsible for millions of people's deaths. Pride has set nations, groups, families, and individuals against each other, often to death. As we meet our doom, pride and ego are seated at the pub, drinking and scheming their next victim's demise. I'm not suggesting we go around zoned out. Or try to wrestle with these perceived offenses until we blow a gasket. I'm offering the complete opposite. Don't take it personally. Everyone has their story. Imagine the person who recently discovered infidelity in the relationship—added to a stressful job, an annoying coworker, and an overdue bill. Then someone cuts them off in traffic for whatever reason. The tsunami of emotions is about to be released. They may become a road hazard as they weave in and out of traffic to catch up with you so that they can throw out colorful rhetoric, which may have been enough until you decide. "I know they didn't say that to me." A less-than-desirable encounter now becomes a life-changing occurrence. It seemed like for a couple of months in my area, someone was getting shot each week behind "Road Rage." Could the situation warrant taking someone's life? I don't think so. But if pride or ego have any say in the situation, the answer is yes. Because the worst thing that happens to them is the pub closed early. We can all recognize the power and safety of not taking it personally. One of my first jobs taught me a valuable lesson. I had started at the same time as another guy. But I did well in an area that others disliked. The job allowed the other guy to train in several departmental proficiencies. So, one day before our probationary period was over, the department head came to me and said, we like you, but you need more departmental training. So, we will extend your probationary period by thirty more days. Please understand this means that several essential benefits will not be available for another thirty days, including a 5% salary increase. I was calm. But when the head guy left, I began to gather my things to go. All of a sudden, a large, muscular guy who was known for being quiet approached me. He asked me what I was doing. I explained in a frantic, somewhat erratic fashion what had happened. Fred listened patiently. He then calmly said, "You want to get them back?" "Do you want revenge?" Well, of course, I did. I said yes. He hesitated for a moment and said, good. Then, go back to your desk and finish out your probation. Of course, I expected something else. Fred then went on to explain. They didn't want to have to hire you. You surprised them with your skills, intelligence, and tenacity. The supervisor will use you as an excuse never to hire someone like you to replace you. And did you come to this job to give it away or to make money? As you can guess, I stayed. Five years later, I left on my terms with five years of experience and walked into the next job that paid over $30,000 more yearly. I applied that morning. H R called me that afternoon and asked if I would be willing to start the following day because they had been searching for someone with the experience I had for several months. That supervisor had his shady intentions way before I got there. And I heard he got fired for embezzling company funds with "call girls." Don't let other people's mental problems become your downfall. I know people talk about many things. But I make it a habit of passing on information I know to be true. The art of not "taking it personally" will serve you well. So my friends, until next time. Be sure to Remember to Love Yourself; you are not alone. You are relevant and worthy. How About that?