If people lash out at you, remember: it’s more about them than you
How to Survive—and Thrive!—During the 2024 Election Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Relationships)- Part III
Gracious reader,
I’m excited to share something I hope will be valuable to you and your community as we navigate these divisive times. Inspired by the ideas in my book, I’ve created a free ebook titled "How to Survive—and Thrive!—During the 2024 Election Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Relationships)". This resource is designed to encourage and inspire you to choose civility, kindness, and humanity above all, especially during the challenges of this election season.
I’d love to gift this ebook to all new subscribers for free! Simply subscribe to Civic Renaissance, and you'll receive your copy via email. I’ll also be sharing tips from the ebook in a new series on Civic Renaissance, so stay tuned for helpful insights to keep your spirit strong and your relationships intact during this pivotal time!
Additionally, anyone kind enough to leave a review for my book, The Soul of Civility(Amazon or Barnes & Noble), will also receive a free copy of my new ebook! Just email a screenshot of your review to ahudsonassist@gmail.com, and I’ll send you the ebook as a thank-you.
To keep the conversation going, I’ve included a question for reflection—something you can carry with you in your thoughts or discuss within your communities, whether in the comments below or over coffee with a friend. I can’t wait to read your comments and hear your ideas!
I wish you all a calm, centered, and encouraging election season!
Warmly,
Lexi
III. If people lash out at you, remember: it’s more about them than you.
My grandmother Margaret was excellent at this. She was unfailingly kind and effervescent with everyone she met. Whenever she encountered a cantankerous curmudgeon or someone who was just primed to be annoyed at the world, she told herself it was more about them than her. When that happens to us, it’s easy to tell a story of condemnation: “They’re just a jerk!” Instead, she told a story of exoneration: “They’re just having a bad day.” Passions are high. People are feeling stressed and strung out. Being constantly told by our 24/7 media cycle that the world is ending doesn’t help alleviate the tensions. Other people’s viciousness or curtness is often more about where they are in life than about you. Don’t take it personally. Tell a story of exoneration and move on.
Questions for Reflection:
How can we train ourselves to react with empathy and understanding when faced with difficult or rude behavior? What practical steps can we take to avoid taking things personally and instead ‘tell a story of exoneration’?
The 'story of exoneration' is one that C.S. Lewis wrote in the book, The Weight of Glory-- "There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal."
I keep this in mind - no matter the person's behaviour, God has created and actively loves this person, who is valuable and worthy of dignity.
It sounds very cliché, but it does help.
Reminds me of Wayne Dyer when he said, "Do not let the way people act and talk impact the way you think and feel." Love your writing! Never stop!