By Rusty Potter
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to allow one person, one comment, or one situation to ruin your entire day?
Someone says something you don’t like, and suddenly you’re upset. Someone doesn’t treat you the way you expected, and now your attitude has changed. Somebody pushed one of your buttons, and before you know it, you’ve given them control over your peace.
It’s time to take your peace back.
Guard your peace.
That doesn’t mean you won’t get angry. It doesn’t mean you won’t get angry or become disappointed. We are human, and our feelings are real. But we don’t have to let every feeling take the driver’s seat.
Don’t be easily upset.
Don’t carry your feelings on your shirt sleeve, where everybody can see them, and anybody can pull them.
Everybody doesn’t deserve access to your emotions.
Some people will misunderstand you.
Let them.
Some people will criticize you.
Keep moving.
Some people won’t appreciate what you do. Do it anyway.
Some people will tell you “no”.
You say “next”.
And sometimes people will say things simply because they know it will get a reaction from you. Don’t give them the satisfaction.
You don’t have to respond to everything you hear. You don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to. And you don’t have to explain yourself to everyone who misunderstands you.
There is power in learning when to speak and when to remain silent.
Think about it: If you allow someone to make you angry at 8 a.m., and you’re still angry at 8 p.m., they have controlled twelve hours of your life without paying you a dime.
That’s too expensive.
Your peace is valuable.
Life is too short to spend it constantly offended, irritated, frustrated, and angry about things you cannot control.
Before you react, pause.
Before you respond, think.
Before you allow something to steal your peace, ask yourself, “Is this really worth disturbing my peace?”
Sometimes the answer will be no.
Choose your battles. Protect your joy. Keep your heart right.
Not everybody deserves a front – row seat to your emotions.
“Every minute you spend angry is a minute of happiness you can’t get back.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Guard your peace.
