I was watching How The Grinch Stole Christmas this weekend, and was reminded of a very valuable life lesson. Even though the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything holiday-related from the citizens of Whoville, he finds the next morning that his ill meaning acts did not deprive the Who’s of their joy; their joy was not about the external things they had, nor about the Grinch’s actions. Their joy came from within.
Many people will often allow their joy to be stolen from them by the words, actions, and ill meaning deeds of others. People who criticize you, speak ill of you, or purposely do things to attempt to make you feel bad tend to be unhappy people. I always remind people that no other person can make you feel bad without your permission.
When a person speaks bad to you or do things to disrespect you, it’s not because of you, it’s a projection of their own reality. When you decide to become immune to the words and actions of others, and not take what others do or say personally, you immediately begin to stop needless suffering. You will continue to suffer if you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you. Refuse to allow the negative actions and words of others control how you feel.
We may not be able to control the words and actions of others, but we certainly are able to control our reactions to what others do and say to us. There will always be Grinches in our society who will try to rob you of your joy. Refuse to allow them to do so. Know that your happiness is a very personal thing and it has nothing to do with anyone else or the things that you have, it has all to do with you.