patience

I've been irritable lately.

Little things are getting to me and I feel those ugly strings of venom climbing up my throat, clawing at the back of my mouth, willing themselves into words. 

Maybe I'm not sleeping enough. Maybe I'm not getting enough iron in my diet. Maybe more people are cutting me off in traffic than usual. Maybe I'm just plain stressed. 

All of this is totally possible. Sure, people can be poopheads and boy, it's difficult to get enough iron, but how much of this is actually in my control? Which of these problems really exist outside of myself? I cannot will myself to be more level headed. Believe me, I'd give up front row seats to Hamilton to be a little less Type A, but alas. I can't lighten my workload and I certainly can't stop anyone from taking my favorite parking place.

I can only control my reaction to life's monkey wrenches. 

People's unkindness rarely stems from a desire to be cruel. Sometimes a person will make an offhanded comment that just rubs you the wrong way and ignites in you a level of snark never seen outside of a Disney Channel original movie until that moment.
But take a step back.
Did they really mean to incite such a reaction?

It might be your own insecurities taking root in what they've said. Chalk it up to carelessness and note the intention was probably not to wound. If it was, however, meant to inflict pain or humiliation, GET AWAY! That is toxicity you do not need and you deserve better than that! Also, if you find yourself making these intentionally hurtful comments, take a breath and remember the age old adage: if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Also, be on the look out for a post about this little problem we all encounter.

In short, people usually mean well but don't always take the time to look outside of themselves. But once the words leave their mouth, it's up to you to decide what you do with them.

Just a little something I've been thinking on. Let me know if this is a kind of post y'all like and would be interested in reading more of.

Wishing you a great weekend.

Cheers,
Hannah