Look for the Pain

daily sprout  459

Todays' daily sprout  transcript:

Look for the pain.

When we interact with other people, particularly under stress, it's easy for us or them to be aggressive, dismissive, curt, sharp, down right offensive and that can be particularly cutting to ourselves.

We can allow it to damage ourselves and to damage our confidence. As a little tactic comes from a discipline known as non-violent communication is to just stop and give yourself the opportunity to think about what's the pain behind that aggression? What's the pain behind their criticism, behind their sniping and their curt response or interaction?

Look for the pain behind the message because invariably there is something there that is driving that aggression and often it's not about you, it's about where they're at and the pain that they're experiencing and if you can address the pain, despite the comments that hurt you, you're in a position of power.

You are giving yourself a sense of control over that situation, a choice as to whether you allow it to damage yourself or you enhance and improve the situation. 

Keep an eye out for the next blog.

Dave

Dave Algeo, Restless Mid-Lifer
'It is never too late to get life back on your terms and have even bigger adventures!'
dave@restlessmidlifer.com