I think we can all agree that it's not right to take something that doesn't belong to you. Doing so deprives the original owner of having, using, and truly owning it.
If we're clear on the fact that we shouldn't take what isn't ours, then why do we so often take personally words, actions, behaviors, and thoughts that clearly aren't meant for us? Why do we adopt them, believe in them, and let ourselves be affected by them?
When we take things personally, it's akin to taking someone else's belongings. Their words and actions are their own; by taking them personally, we appropriate—misappropriate—their chance to learn from their own actions.
At our next Wednesday gathering, I'd like to explore three questions:
- Why do we take the words, actions, and behaviors of others personally?
- What can we do, adopt, or “let go” so we don't take things personally?
- How would your life be different if you stopped taking others' words, behaviors, and so forth personally?
