Before we discuss HOW we can stop getting Offended, we must understand the cause and effect on the people around us and us.

REASONS WHY WE GET OFFENDED

The reasons vary from one person to another. We get offended when:

Someone disrespects us.
We fail to be up to the expectations of others.
Someone rejects us.
Someone blames us and judges us.
Life challenges us.
The people we care for do not appreciate us.
We feel ignored.
Someone does not agree with us.
People assume they are more intelligent than us.
Someone does not believe in my abilities.
Circumstances do not go as per our plan.
We are not trusted.
Etc

The list is never-ending.

Can you go back for a second and have a look at the points above? What do you notice? What is common? Unfortunately, the source of all these comes from the outside. Can you imagine how tough would it be if we had to satisfy all these opinions? We will end up being the reflection of every person we cross paths with, whether our partner, boss, parents, children, or colleagues.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

The only way you can protect yourself is by working from the inside out. When you manage to have a stable YOU, nothing will manage to swipe you off your feet. Instead of being the cart on a roller coaster, you will become the structure, observing what is going on around you wisely

HOW CAN YOU DO THAT?

SELF-LOVE!

There are so many titles that fall under self-love: High SELF-Esteem, SELF-Respect, SELF-Appreciation. Achieving a higher level of Self-love means becoming more compassionate with yourself first than with others. It starts with appreciating who you are and the experience you went through. It concludes by loving the person you are with all your flaws and shortcomings.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU MASTER?

GRATITUDE and MINDFULNESS!

Knowing you are enough
Knowing you have enough for the present moment
Appreciating every second as if it was your last

These three points are the essential blocks of the shield you should be building around you.

WHAT WILL YOU GAIN?

You will Live in peace and clarity because you know that nothing will interrupt your flow.
You will understand that people's opinions are a reflection of their reality.
You will take your decisions with sharp confidence.
You will reclaim your life by taking control of your reactions.
You will become a role model for others: your steadiness will get those around you curious to follow your steps.
You will stop being needy when it comes to relationships.
You will know that only those who deserve to be with you are allowed to be in your circle.
You will trust your intuition.

PRACTICAL WAYS TO ACHIEVE THIS OUTCOME:

Every time you find yourself engaging in a defensive position, take a breath, reflect and move the conversation towards a different level, knowing that the person in front of you might not be on the same wavelength.

Avoid toxic people.

Exercise Positive self talks especially during those moments when you feel offended the most. Talk yourself out of the situation.

Meditation is an excellent way to declutter your mind, live in peace, and be patient enough to take control of your reactions.

This is what is called SELF-MASTERY!

Dima Istambouli