I am a quiet person. I like to observe. That saying, “We have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak,” spoken by philosopher Epictetus, speaks volumes towards how I operate.
The world today is filled with individuals unable to successfully express emotions. They are easy to spot because they are usually the ones who has the most to say and/or the loudest voice. Many times, their actions are unchecked because they are unhinged individuals who lack self awareness and it creates fear around them.
The problem with this cycle of toxicity is voices are silenced and people become suppressed in the presence of those people with mismanaged emotions.
So, essentially one individual can harm groups of people because like unruly children, they pout when they don’t get their way and the people around them indulge their every whim. They never learn from their actions and therefore never grow up.
A few weeks ago, my friend told me she left an organization because the leadership style and decision making abilities no longer aligned with her life. The response she received from leadership was filled with anger, threats and bitterness. When I read it, I saw that the leader was having a tantrum and couldn’t handle someone not seeing their organization as perfect as they see it. My friend just expressed why it wasn’t working for her but people with mismanaged emotions often respond without logic and careful thought. She ignored the response and I congratulated her. We are allowed to make decisions for our lives based on how things fit and no one should get angry with another for doing what’s best for them.
This Thanksgiving, I am grateful that I am a self aware individual who uses her two ears and eyes to see people as they are and treat them accordingly. I speak only when I feel like words will be heard and I step away from environments that are not aligned with who I am.
Forgive those with mismanaged emotions but don’t repeat cycles with them. Find your peace and your gratitude.
What are you thankful for this year?
Look Within 