Do You Get Offended Easily?featured

Taking things too personal. A topic that has been covered by many professionals far and wide. I am sure Oprah has even talked about this at some point.

I am the queen of telling people “don’t take it personal.”

Easier said than done.

I can easily recognize when people are simply having a bad day and I know am the world’s easiest target. I am usually upbeat and smiling because it is a simple way to be. So I would lash out at me too. I know we are all on different journeys and I am empathetic to the ebbs and flow of daily life.

I mean, I have days where I just need to “make it through” myself.

And while I have learned to understand that attitudes from people aren’t always a product of a “personal” problem with who I am as a human, I can’t help but get offended when those closest to me seem to offend me “purposefully.” It feels like fire comes out of my ears and that I quickly become a cartoon that blows up with the sole purpose to pop.

But that’s the thing about personal offenses. They are NOT always on purpose. And if it is a loved one on the opposite end, they usually do not intend to piss you off on every level. 

Offenses can often be perceived. Why? Because we all come with loaded baggage. Past offenses, past pains, past transgressions, past relationships, and deep-rooted insecurities.

We won’t always know where, why, or how they are there, but we all have them. What is offensive to me may actually just be a  simple misunderstanding. A clashing of preferences, cultures, opinions, or methods.

We all do life differently but it can often be difficult to be okay with that. I know I get upset when someone close to me does something completely opposite to the way I would. But that’s just the control freak in me. The immature little girl trying to tell everyone whos boss. Because if they do it their own way, well it’s WRONG, right?

Wrong.

We all come with different baggage that comes in different shapes and sizes. It is our job to accept everyone’s heavy load. It is what sets us apart from each other. If it wasn’t for all of these bags, we would all be exactly the same.

I know I have room to grow and this is my life lesson at this season in my life. Just because someone has a different process doesn’t mean I have to criticize it or think that it is a personal attack against me. The show is not always about me and this is difficult for me to wrap my head around at times, especially when I feel extremely fragile to begin with.

If you ever feel like the fire is going to spit out of your ears take a moment and step back.

Think: Could I be overreacting? Is this really about me at all? Is this a purposeful offense or is it perceived? Am I letting my past affect my present? If so, you are forgetting to be present. You are punishing others for things those in your past did or a certain way they made you feel.

Give everyone grace, ESPECIALLY those closest to you. Just because they are close does not mean they carry the same baggage or understand the demons you constantly battle. If you are always feeling offended it might be time to take a deep look at yourself and see what you still have to heal from.

Love Deeply and Forever,

Karen

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