Happy Marvelous Monday Son,
I hope that you enjoy the wonderful week ahead!
I was having a discussion the other day about how to react when being insulted. Now, I am not naturally the kind of person who can let some things go without a retaliatory response. In fact, I have, at least in my mind at the time, put many people who insulted me in their place.
It is no longer my desire to react as I mentioned above. Here’s an interesting quote that I think can really give us perspective:
“It is not he who reviles or strikes you who insults you, but your opinion that these things are insulting.” Epictetus
I think what Epictetus is trying to say is that only we can give power or traction to insults. If someone calls you a derogatory name, only you can give them power by acknowledging their speech as an insult. Typically, when someone does this it is their intention to be unkind to us in some way that can be hurtful. Keep in mind that when a person insults you, it says more about who they are than who you are.
What we have to do is ask ourselves one simple question: Is the insulter’s opinion of me greater than my opinion of myself? The answer should always be no!
As I have stated in the past, Why put the keys to your happiness in someone else’s pocket?
Well, that’s all for now!
Have an amazing day and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Dad