Often times when you react to a situation you can either gain or lose ground. I’ve often said many times in the past that after I’ve apologized, why is it people won’t forgive and move on? The answer is simple people remember what you do not what you say.
I’m not suggesting that you can’t ever get to a place where people look past your faults but there’s a good chance they may not. You don’t get to gain ground by acting a fool. You ever see someone who is older and is supposed to know better but then something they say or their behavior makes you lose all respect for them? They don’t get the opportunity to speak into you after those moments occur.
I know I’ve been a victim of over reacting to a situation or person and finding myself with my foot in my mouth. We are supposed to find out all the facts or create an outlet that when something is happening, one doesn’t have to look a fool. Once you’re labeled a fool it’s hard to change the persona. If you have ever found yourself in this scenario, you have to make your changes and not look for others to acknowledge your change. In this time, people want and need acknowledgement. You are going to have to be comfortable in your skin and move forward for yourself.
Yes in an ideal world, people would be so forgiving but often times they aren’t. Don’t let the opinions of others deter you from being the best you that you can be. Also don’t make excuses for the times where you have allowed something or someone pull on your emotions and make you break character. Being honest with yourself and where you are in your walk in life is important. Acknowledge that you need help.
Self control is another issue that comes into play when you’re in a situation to react correctly. It’s hard to not give in and allow the situation to dictate what you say or do. Just remember your character and integrity are always on the line. True integrity is doing the right thing no matter who is watching.
Don’t lose it. Don’t give in to the negativity that is all around you. Once you lose ground by your reactions it’s hard to get it back. The test wasn’t in the person or thing, but in you to see your response to the difficulty. Don’t give a person a reason to say I told you he/she wasn’t whatever they want to claim you are. Make better choices and if you are around something or someone who is toxic, make the changes to get away. Don’t live in negativity because it literally causes stress, anxiety, and takes away from any progress you were trying to make.
