Imagine for a moment that you work in an office. (Probably not a stretch for many of you.)
Today, someone brings you a big box of homemade oatmeal raisin cookies. The problem is you hate oatmeal. And raisins. So, now youâre left with three choices:
Politely choke the cookie down and force a smile.
Say âThanksâ and toss it when they arenât looking.
Say no. âSorry, I don't do raisins. Or oatmeal.â
Now, depending on how youâre wired, the thought of #3 may flood you with anxiety. But itâs the only honest approach.
Just because something was intended for you doesnât mean itâs for you. It doesnât mean you have to receive it.
And this is about more than oatmeal raisin cookies (or whatever food item youâd place here). The same applies to every criticism, insult, back-handed compliment, or unhelpful statement you may be offered.
The Buddha once asked,
âIf someone offers you a gift that you refuse to receive, to whom does the gift belong?â
To be insulted (or offended, bothered, annoyed, whatever), we first have to receive the insult. We always have a choice.
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