5/22/05: Can anyone really hurt us?

When others say or do something which causes us to feel emotional pain, what we feel is a result of our reaction, not a result of their action.

If a loved one forgets your birthday, you may choose to think they do not love you enough to remember, thereby causing hurt feelings. Or you may choose to think they may simply be preoccupied or forgetful.

Most hurt feelings are caused by assumptions we make based on our own insecurities and programming. They can easily be avoided if we simply choose not to take things personally.

At any given moment, no matter what others do, you can choose to take something personally and be hurt, or you can choose to maintain your center and be happy.

What others do is a result of who they are, not a result of who you are.