Have you ever had to take a deep breath and think “is this worth getting into?” If I give my opinion or take on the matter will it be received well or blown off? If blown off am I willing to deal with that and not get angry/frustrated?
Legitimate questions. The past year has been about picking my battles. What am I willing to let go of? What am I willing to go to battle for? Choosing my battles, for me, is often about patience. What am I willing to put up with or willing to just do. Am I up for a conversation at best, confrontation at worse? What is my energy level? Mood? Will I regret not saying anything later? What is my relationship with this person? Will it matter in X many days? Do I have the patience to wait it out?
Picking our battles can be major. I don’t think we should let ourselves get the point where we are mad and/or hurt. What we do have control over is making sure the battles we choose are worth it. Even a learning experience is worth something. Sometime I take a breath and consider the source before I take a stand and you know sometimes I can say “Whatever. They are not worth my energy.”
I found out I have more patience than I thought and I am willing to let things of a few things. I consider the source, situation and even my mood. I know if I am tired I could be over reacting to the situation or what is being said.
So consider choosing your battles wisely. You don’t want to be the person all over the place and reacting to everything. When you do say something you want it to count. For it to be important enough for you to go to the mat on.
You can always start now!
I almost stamped my foot and let my good friends opinion get the better of me; just today. At the last moment I took a deep breath and changed the subject. Friendship does not mean they will think or believe the way you do. Friendship is to be treasured and nurtured it means more to me than scoring points. I was right and am disapointed that she doesn’t feel as passionate or bothered as I am; but my opinion is precisely that; mine. Good post keep it up.
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I am a work in progress on many things. You are right in the long run what is most important (friendship) or what can you live with is what we should be asking ourselves. Scoring points should be taken out of the equation. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
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You are so right. Sometimes it’s best not t actually sweat the small stuff and like you say pick your battles.
Rachael | https://rachaelstray.com
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agree but at times I have to work at keeping my mouth shut! Thanks for visiting.
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Definitely requires a certain level of mindfulness; I suppose life is one long series of battles to pick! ;D
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True. I think somethings are easier to let go of. Mood, energy level for me comes into play. thanks for visiting and commenting.
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After going through breast cancer, I’ve got my priorities straight! Lol. Most things don’t bother me much anymore. But the occasional slight still stings. I don’t have time for people’s exclusivity and will try to clear the air if appropriate since there’s a ton of misunderstandings out there.
BTW, after having cancer, it’s amazing how some people treat me. Like it’s some sort of contagious disease!!!
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I have two friends with breast cancer. It is a reality check – what is really important here? I only have so much time and energy where do I want to put it? Yes to misunderstandings. I read The 4 Agreements years ago and try to live by them (some days better than other). They are: 1. don’t take things personally 2. don’t make assumptions 3. always do your best 4. be impeccable with your word
I think people are scared of cancer and saying the wrong things – which I’m surprised since it is so prevalent and touches everyone.
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Nice read Amelia. Sometimes, one should just not respond to everything and let it be. Not everything or every comment requires our attention or reaction. Sometimes a decent silence is the best answer and perhaps the best solution to many issues and battles as you have said. I fully agree with you.
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I am a work in progress on so many things. Agree no response is often the right response. Even to wait and see if it sorts itself out. Thanks for visiting!
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Welcome 🙂
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You’re right, you definitely have to consider if some battles are worth the effort, stress and possible consequences. I have to be really passionate about something to cause a nettle or stand up for something. Life’s just too short to worry about everything.
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total agreement here. A lot of energy can be wasted on something that in the end doesn’t really matter. thanks for stopping by.
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Worth a reread today, remembering not to sweat the small stuff!
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I always enjoy your posts, you sure do make me think!! I am in deep thoughts today about something and whether it is worth going to battle for…you gave me food for thought – so thank you! xxoo
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Thanks for visiting. It can be a hard call but I know you will put thought and compassion into any decision you make.
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This is so true. Someone once told me I was like a volcano: the pressure builds up inside and every now and then there’s a leak… but if there aren’t enough leaks eventually there’s an explosion. My problem was there were too many explosions. But then I took a course where one of the main points was “you choose YOUR attitude” and that really resonated with me. I can choose to let things go, and yes to let people go, and I can choose to be happier. It’s kind of like the old Eleanor Roosevelt saying too: “nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent”. What can I let go of? Am I giving too much thought to this? Am I letting something or someone get under my skin when I shouldn’t?
So yes, I think practicing a bit of mindfulness in this way is very healthy and worthwhile
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I think going into anything with a positive attitude helps. After all we only have control over our feelings/attitude. That is me “Am I giving too much thought to this?” Yes to choosing happy.
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I loved the caption. That expresses a lot. Wonderfull content. So true. Sharing it with my FB friends and tweeting too.
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thank you. I am a work in progress on it!!
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I think yes picking your battles is very wise. I was at my 6 year old nieces birthday party about 2 weeks ago. My 5 year old was upset because a little girl called her an idiot. I told her to just stay away from her because she might never see her again. Confronting the other mum and having an argument would not have been wise despite my little girl being so upset as I did not want to ruin my nieces party.
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I would have made the same choice. Good learning opportunity for both you and your daughter. What words are not to be used and why. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Have a lovely weekend – you and your daughter.
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Thankyou, hope you have a lovely weekend too.
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Yes indeed, each day has its own ‘battles’ and we all have them, so this is a good reminder for us all to take a stand as and when needed, but also to step back more often than not as needed.
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I am a work in progress at the step back. I keep saying “is this worth my energy?” “Are they even listening?” I should step back more often!!!
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We all need to practice it more and more
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