When people talk negative about us or look down at us, it is
hard not to take it personally. But what exactly are we taking personally? It is
other people’s opinions and feelings. The hurtful feelings are not ours. We are
taking on unnecessary burden.
When people are behaving negatively, their behavior says a
lot about them and NEVER about you.
Their opinion about you or your behavior comes from their
upbringings or thoughts; it has NOTHING to do with you or your behavior.
Therefore, do not take anything personally. They don’t know
you the way you know yourself. Perhaps you made mistakes but you are not a
mistake. Your mistakes don’t represent you. You are whole regardless of your
behavior.
If we hate people who hate us, then we are reflecting on their
behavior, not their true self. If we forgive those who hurt us, we are
reflecting on their true self. And since we are all one source, forgiveness
means being true to ourselves.
It is easier to forgive than you think. We all have said bad
things about others, either to hurt them or gain approval from others. If you
can forgive yourself, you can forgive those who have done the same thing.
So next time someone says something hurtful, remember to
repeat, “It is not about me, it is about them. I forgive.” :-)
