What do you see? A young woman or an old one?
This optical illusion was created over 100 years ago.
Many problems in our world are because people see illusions of what they want to see and believe them to be true.
Have you noticed people crazy making and buttons getting pushed? Some respond with anger, frustration or depression. Others find that finger pointing, denial and avoidance are easier than talking things through.
Opportunities abound to deal with issues, but some prefer to ignore the elephant in the room. It would take more than new glasses to correct that vision.
Changing perspective helps: step back emotionally and observe in a detached way. This reminds you not to take things personally. But what should you do about it?
Ask yourself: Is there something to get out of it, something to learn?
Or is the point to get out of it and leave?
What’s the best action to take? This depends on the circumstances. But driving yourself bonkers and making yourself wrong only leads to a dead-end street.
A lovely woman sent me a very ugly email. She wrote about demonic forces and people we once knew. She couldn’t be friends with me anymore because she wrote that I was still associated with them, even though I hadn’t been for years.
Weeks later she apologized. Because of past injustices inflicted on her by this group, her deep pain was triggered. She obviously wasn’t herself when she wrote it.
The point? I got out of it lessons of compassion; forgiveness; grace; and not judging as people make mistakes.
The action? Let go of the past and move on. We renewed our friendship.
A few months later, she sent another email explaining how she couldn’t be my friend because of my involvement with these same people.
The point? Get out of it. When people are perpetually crazy making, create too much drama and repeat patterns that they’re not shifting, it’s often best to step back.
The action? Don’t respond. Bless the situation and relationship and let them go.
PLEASE NOTE: There are people who have mental and emotional considerations and are well-served by our support to receive help! I’m referring to those whose default patterns are often unconscious, repetitive, self-centered and create chaos. It’s part of our journey to learn the difference and set boundaries when appropriate.
The following ideas may help you with the crazy makers in your life. Oh well, I can honestly say I’ve learned each one by doing the opposite.
- Breathe deeply in a relaxed way. Relax your body.
- Step back emotionally and observe rather than become enmeshed with the story.
- Listen to what’s being expressed and understand their perspective.
- Let go of a need to be heard, be validated or express your viewpoint.
- Ask yourself, even if you believe they’re wrong: Why is it essential that others should think and act the way you think they should? Do you need their approval? Are you wanting control? Are you letting them make you feel unsafe or insecure? Are you judging them? Do you need to be right?
- Everyone has a right to their viewpoint. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to stick around, at least emotionally and mentally if you can’t leave physically.
- Tune in to your gut – what do you feel is true, which usually isn’t your story about it, and the best action to take? You know the answer if you have the willingness and courage to be quiet within and see it.
“Forgive them for they know not what they do.”
Using these tips will:
- Bring you peace of mind
- Awaken you to greater wisdom, awareness and empowerment
- Honor others even if you’re sure they’ve lost their mind
- Reclaim your time and energy to enjoy life and pursue your goals
- Bring you better results in the long run.
Avoidance and resistance to honestly look at a situation are futile.
Tap into your inner mastership. Don’t be afraid to step back, observe, SEE, then act, lest you start crazy making yourself.
If you don’t like what you see, envision something better. Focus on your new choice without the emotional drama.
Warning: using these tips will not give you the emotional exhilaration received from feeling right; trying to fix or rescue people; feeling victimized; having your ego stroked; expressing anger; trying to control; or the comfort of familiarity from reliving your sad story.
None of these provide long-lasting satisfaction anyway.
Using these tips will:
- Bring you peace of mind
- Awaken you to greater wisdom, awareness and empowerment
- Honor others even if you’re sure they’ve lost their mind
- Reclaim your time and energy to enjoy life and pursue your goals
- Bring you better results in the long run.
Avoidance and resistance to look honestly at a situation are futile.
Tap into your inner mastership. Don’t be afraid to step back, observe, SEE, then act, lest you start crazy making yourself.
If you don’t like what you see, envision something better. Focus on your new choice without the emotional drama.
Many problems in our world are because people see illusions of what they want to see and believe them to be true.
If you’d like help with any crazy making in your life,
contact me for a free consultation at:
virginia@soulgoals.com
I work with people who choose to share
their gifts or business in a BIGGER way
but don’t know how, feel stuck or could
use new tools or support.
I help them ignite their Soul’s goals
and be richly compensated doing what
they love.”
Edited from Soulgoals’ published on March 25, 2011, When Buttons Are Pushed
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