Don’t give your power away!

Don’t give your power away! I consider a friend of mine to be a difficult person to get along with. She likes to ask me personal questions, like how much money do you make? If I don’t answer, she is not happy and gossips about me to other people I know. I have been holding my anger inside me to the extent that I avoid her and do not participate in events that I would otherwise enjoy. The following poem found on the bulletin board in the Carnegie Learning Centre has helped me to realize that I am giving my own power away: The One who Angers You Controls you Don’t give Anyone that Power! especially the One who does it intentionally. I finally learned that I was giving my power away when I reacted to my friend’s behaviour. I was angry because I expected her to behave differently. Had I accepted her for who she was and had I understood that everybody is different, I probably would not be so angry. By learning how to deal with my reactions when somebody pushes my buttons, I will not be controlled by this particular individual. I’m learning not to avoid participating in events where she will be. In this way, I believe that I regain my power - a power that belongs to me! Christmas is fast approaching! Don’t give your power away. Consider participating in events that you might enjoy. Perhaps you will be surprised! By Debbie Woon Lee