The Restored & Empowered Podcast is hosted by Alexandra Echelmeier, LCSW. You can find more about her up-coming online course at RestoredandEmpowered.org. This episode hits on the topic of bullying and how to handle yourself with a high-conflict, negative person. Their negative does not have to become your negative. Alexandra presents tips on how to manage the difficult situations in a way that you leave feeling empowered instead of overpowered.
Here are a few questions we need to ponder BEFORE responding to negative statements and behaviors:
Do this person’s words/actions matter enough in my life and heart to allow their opinion/attitude to alter my entire day?
Does what this person is saying match with my truth and reality?
What can I learn from this situation? About myself? About this person?
What are my thoughts and feelings about what just happened?
What might be going on in this person’s world—what are outside situations that are impacting this person’s perception of me? Are there parts in my own life that are causing me to take offense?
How can I be someone of integrity, love and empowerment in this situation?
What is the wise choice here? What can I do or say that best reflects my values and heart?
Am I safe in this situation? Would it be beneficial to wait to respond?