Ever been going about your day, minding your own business, when . . . BOOM! Someone suddenly dumps a load of negativity all over you? Whether they make it about you, are distressed by the world, or stuck in their own fear, lies, and complaints, you might get sucked into their overwhelm, anxiety, depression, or stress.
Rather than allowing someone else’s bad moods or deeper unhappiness to knock you off-guard, you have four distinct options to stay in your happy, best self no matter what’s going on around you:
- Option 1: Inspire them to level up. This scenario is ideal. Your positive energy rubs off on them, and they shift to be in their better self too.
- Option 2: Don’t engage. The other person continues to verbally attack you or push your buttons, but you choose not to react. As a result, they stop or go away.
- Option 3: You leave. At times, the best choice is simply to remove yourself from the person or situation altogether – either temporarily or permanently.
- Option 4: Kick them out. Nicely, firmly – it doesn’t matter, just get them out of your space. This is necessary when it is no longer safe or healthy to be around them.
If you find you’re continually having to exercise these options, it might be time to “shake the blanket”– eliminating from your life or significantly minimizing energy and time spent with people whose negativity is draining you dry. Each time I shake the blanket, I’m constantly amazed and amused at how quickly positive, loving, and supportive people show up to take their place.
To learn specific skills and strategies for each of the four options and other fun, immediately effective wellness tools, enroll in Shine Your Light’s Zoom master class (starts March 23), “Trust Your Gut: Follow Your Intuition to Lead a Life You Love” (https://shineyourlight.life/trust-your-gut-foundations/) or book an intuitive coaching session (https://shineyourlight.life/our-team/).
