Dear Friends: Let’s heal, rather than avoid

When somebody infringes on my space or my time, I can get triggered and feel defensive, even resentful. But nobody else can really impose on me, unless I give them that power. I get to choose how I respond to anything outside myself. And I can say no to somebody, without defending myself, blaming them, or feeling guilty.

I can let the phone ring until I finish breakfast. I don’t have to answer the doorbell. Everybody wins if, when I do respond, I have the presence of mind to think clearly and speak honestly, without any negative emotion.

“Boundaries” may come to mind. But if we simply build walls to keep unhealthy people out, we don’t just avoid them. We also avoid our own unhealthy emotions. And at some point we want to heal the wounds that trigger negative feelings.

Let’s respond in love to what’s unhealthy–whether it’s coming at us or from us.

Love Smiles,