As you may already know, Believe and Create is extremely active in posting on Facebook  (by the way – thanks for all your support there!).  Recently we had a discussion there about what to do when people irritate you, which began after I posted the picture I’ve reposted here. 

As you can see, I suggest that if you want more peace in your life, then begin to pray for those who aggravate, irritate, or frustrate you  … then forgive them and let it go.   This sparked a debate when a reader responded “Easier said than done!”  

I agree 100 percent with that reader who said this is easier said than done. I’m so glad that someone took the time to question this concept, because it means others were thinking the exact same thing, too.

That’s why I want to offer a little more discussion on this subject. Namely, I suggest you ask yourself 3 questions when you find yourself face-to-face with someone who is irritating you.

3 Things to Ask Yourself When People Irritate You

• Is keeping my peace important to me?   Do you want more peace in your life?  Yes?  I thought so.    Holding onto bitterness, disappointment, and pain won’t solve anything! Praying for those who  hurt us invites grace into our lives. It is not only freeing …  this simple act of love can be a life-changer!

 

•  Will giving away my peace help?   Absolutely not! I’m not saying that you should abandon all conversation with the person who sparked a negative emotional reaction within you.   I’m merely saying you have a choice on how you respond.  Be certain that whatever course of action you take, you take it with a cool head and a calm heart.   Surrendering your peace will never help you!

 

• Is keeping my peace right now the right thing to do for me?   Be assured, remaining in peace is always the right thing for you to do.  And that means we must forgive people who hurt us.  Forgiveness isn’t about the other person … it’s about you.  When your hands are holding onto pain, they are not free to embrace the joy you deserve. 

It all comes down to the original question posed:   Do you want more peace in your life?   If the answer to that question is a resounding “YES,” then it’s important to accept responsibility for holding onto that peace and not giving it away anytime someone tries to push your buttons.  You’ve got to release the urge to get defensive or resentful.  Otherwise, you stay stuck.

Personally, I like to remind myself of is this: holding on to resentment and frustration only poisons my life.   As the saying goes,   “It’s like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”  It doesn’t work!

Sure, keeping your peace when faced with people who drive you up a wall may not be easy.    I get that – I really, really, really do!   I’m human, too, and I struggle with this as much as the next person.    Just understand that your peace is worth it.

You deserve the freedom from this pain in your life and like it or not, you must decide if you want to embrace that freedom or not.  You won’t change others – so forget that notion.   The path to peace is forgiveness and letting go.

Be easy on yourself as you begin adopting this new approach, because it will take time and practice and you might trip up along the way, so be sure to forgive yourself for any mistakes you make make.

Personally, I’ve decided that I’ll do whatever it takes to achieve peace in my heart. I hope you’ll join me and invite peace into your heart, too.

~ J. Marie Novak, Founder of BelieveAndCreate.com

 

 (c) copyright Believe and Create, 2016.  All rights reserved. 

Background Photo Credit:  Copyright: www.123rf.com Stock Photo

Discussion questions —   How do you deal with people who irritate, frustrate, and aggravate you?  Have you ever had to forgive someone who was especially difficult to forgive?     How has your life changed since forgiving a person who you thought you’d never be able to forgive? Leave your ideas and thoughts in the ”SPEAK YOUR MIND” section below.