Refusing to Let People Stress You Out: A Skill Worth Practicing

Hello, everyone! Today, I want to talk about something super important: the skill of refusing to let people stress us out. You might think it’s easy, but trust me, it takes practice and discipline. Let me share a personal story to help explain why.

Recently, I was out of touch with some people for different reasons. One day, I received a text message from someone I hadn’t talked to in a while. The message said something like, “This is what I’m thinking of you, and you don’t have to like it. Just know that this is what I think.” When I saw that message while lying in bed, I felt a wave of stress wash over me. It wasn’t the way I wanted someone who hadn’t spoken to me in a long time to think of me!

Now, I am a pretty stubborn person, so instead of ignoring the message, I decided to respond and ask for clarification. They explained their thoughts, but I could tell we had two very different views of what really happened. Deep down, I knew they were trying to get under my skin. You see, I’ve learned that some people wear “masks” when they first meet you. They don’t always show their true selves right away, and sometimes their words can be tricky.

But here’s the cool part: Instead of letting their words bother me, I found amusement in their response. In the past, I would have let my feelings get hurt, but I realized that I could choose how I reacted. I knew that not responding to negativity was the best way to keep my mind clear and focused on what I want in life.

It takes practice to stand firm in your beliefs about who you are and what you want. When someone says something that doesn’t sit well with you, remember: you don’t have to respond emotionally. If you are sure of your direction and your goals, negativity from others won’t bother you as much. It’s like telling those naysayers to step aside if they can’t help you grow!

Sometimes, we might need to move on from people we thought would always be there for us. That can be tough, but it’s a part of growing and learning. It’s not something you learn overnight; it’s a skill you develop with practice.

After these emotional conversations, take a moment to reflect on what happened. Ask yourself: How did I contribute to the situation? How did I respond? Do I want to be seen this way? If not, think about what you would change in the future and practice that change every day. Remind yourself: “This is not what I want, and I refuse to let this stress me out!”

Call to Action

Now, I challenge you to practice this skill! The next time someone tries to stress you out, take a deep breath. Step back and think about how you want to respond. Remember, you have the power to choose your reactions!

Steps to Practice

1. Recognize Tricky Situations: When someone says something that doesn’t feel right, pause and think before reacting.
   
2. Reflect on Your Feelings: After the conversation, take a moment to think about how you felt. Did it stress you out? Why?

3. Adjust Your Response: If you didn’t like how you reacted, think about how you can respond differently next time.

4. Set Boundaries: Don’t be afraid to tell people when their words or actions aren't okay with you.

5. Move On: Sometimes, the best thing to do is to move forward without certain people. It’s okay to let go!

Lastly, I have some wonderful hardcover journals that can help you strategize and reflect on what needs to happen in your life. Writing down your thoughts can be a powerful way to understand and practice this skill!

Remember, refusing to let people stress you out is a skill worth mastering. With practice, you can stay calm and focused on the things that truly matter to you! Keep shining bright! 🌟