Crushing Fear – Day 15 – Taking Things Personally

That which offends you only weakens you. Being offended creates the same destructive energy that offended you in the first place-so transcend your ego and stay in peace.

— Wayne Dyer —

DSC_6750It seems as though people are a lot more sensitive these days.  I don’t mean sensitive as in caring about the welfare of others.  I mean sensitive as in being easily offended and taking things personally.

People are always going to say things that don’t align with our beliefs and thinking.  We can let it go or we can hold onto it and take it personally…it’s a choice.

I can’t stand it when someone uses the “R” word because we have a son who is developmentally disabled.  Does it disappoint me when someone calls someone or something “ret***ed?”  Yes, but I don’t take it personally, as I figure the person using that word would not be using it if they knew what I knew.  They don’t use it to hurt me, they use it because they know no better.

I had someone tell me a long time ago, “You aren’t that important to have to take everything so personally, get over yourself.”  Dyer says this more eloquently in the opening quote, “transcend your ego and remain in peace.”

Being easily offended and taking things personally are often manifestations of fear due to an extreme focus on self.  If the devil can get us to overreact and take things personally, he wins because we lose our peace.

Don Miguel Ruiz, in his book The Four Agreements, says this about taking things personally:  “When you make it a strong habit not to take anything personally, you avoid many upsets in your life.  Your anger, jealousy, and envy will disappear, and even your sadness will simply disappear if you don’t take things personally.” (pp. 58-59, A Toltec Wisdom Book-The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz)

To Mr. Ruiz I say Amen.  Taking things personally is not only a great way to experience needless suffering but it is a great way to keep your focus on yourself, which is where the devil performs his best work.

Instead of taking things personally, take things into consideration and try your best to understand what really happened and then turn it over to God…repeat these two steps as often as you need.

Zechariah 12:5 (NIV), “Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, ‘The people of Jerusalem are strong, because the Lord Almighty is their God.”

Reflection:

What beliefs, thoughts and actions cause you to struggle with taking things personally?

Additional Scripture to read and reflect upon:  James 5:16, Ephesians 4:31-32, Colossians 3:13

P.E.A.C.E.

Jay@EagleLaunch.com

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