Have you ever faced a situation like this?
- Your friends organise a party and do not invite you
- An appointment you were eagerly anticipating turns into a no-show
- Your partner forgets your birthday
- A teammate takes credit for your work in front of your boss
- You’re ghosted by someone you really like
- Someone spreads a false rumour about you
- You ask for help when you truly need it, but no one steps up
You see, these kinds of situations that make us mad, angry and frustrated, leaving us ruminating for hours, sometimes days (who said weeks, months, years, a lifetime?). These kinds of situations where you start believing everyone is awful and deserves to be punished.
It happened to me recently. And I have a very special talent for transforming into a furious tornado in less than a second. But over time, I’ve learned that this fury serves no one—it only hurts the people I cherish most.
Still, when something unfair happens to me or to someone I love, I can feel the raging tornado forming inside. I cannot prevent it. It’s completely instinctive. But I’ve also learned to recognise it and act before it takes over.
My personal mantra? RED = BREATHE.
So when I feel the storm brewing I pause. And I take slow, deep breaths, and let the swirling emotions pass. I allow the fog in my mind to clear.
And I then I remind myself of all the kind, generous, and supportive people in my life — the ones who lift me up with their love, humour and understanding.
When one person hurts your feelings, I invite you to slow down and remember the many others who have not. They are the ones deserving your attention, love and gratitude.
I know it is not always easy. Far from it. I cannot count the number of times when the storm caused damage before I told myself, “RED=BREATHE … argh I forgot… breathe now!”.
But I know you can do it.
I believe in YOU.
Be brave.
Delphine
#TheCourageofBeing