For years I have received mixed messages. As a strong woman if I spoke up or stepped out I was criticized for being headstrong, over-confident, bossy.
Then when I didn’t speak out or step us I was being timid.
I couldn’t win. Especially if I was trying to please others. There is no way to please everyone. This then leads to inner confusion.
I cannot please everyone. That was hard enough to learn. But then I heard someone tell about a time she was in a meeting and was told “you are intimidating’. Another responded “is she intimidating or are you intimidated?”
Is she intimidating, or are you intimidated?
I stopped to consider this. I am not responsible for their thoughts or feelings. I only have control over mine. While I will not intentionally set out to hurt someone, just because they are hurt or upset, it doesn’t mean I did something wrong.
This comment made me stop to remember that. Perspective makes all the difference.
What is something someone said that stopped you in your tracks causing you to reconsider your perspective?