A couple of days ago, I posted a Joel Osteen quote about reacting to others who are hurting on my Facebook Like Page:
Wanted to include the text of the quote, as well as a comment and my response to it, as a reminder to myself in my journey, and to get any feedback on what helps others deal with these kinds of encounters.
“Keep in mind, hurting people often hurt other people as a result of their own pain. If somebody is rude and inconsiderate, you can almost be certain that they have some unresolved issues inside. They have some major problems, anger, resentment, or some heartache they are trying to cope with or overcome. The last thing they need is for you to make matters worse by responding angrily.”
~Joel Osteen
Comment:
“I have so much hurt but because of that I make sure no one around me goes thru pain.”
My response to that comment:
I understand. Was told when one experiences pain, especially for a long period of time, he or she either lets the cycle continue by hurting others, or go in the extreme opposite direction trying to please others because of a built up (and/or innate) ultra-sensitivity.
The problem with the former is obvious. The problem with the latter is we can end up not taking care of ourselves because we’re always outwardly-focused. I had long done the latter. I was so outwardly-focused and ultra sensitive to others’ feelings, I would get easily hurt and tended to unintentionally attract situations in which I felt/perceived I was being “attacked” by others’ words and actions). I was affected by others’ actions, which I have no control over.
Now I stand up for myself when I need to, and do my best to catch myself if I’m in or headed toward that direction, then shift my focus when I’m putting too much of it on what’s happening outside of me.
What do you do when hurting people hurt you?
Cheers to life’s journey…
