DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE

During my first job interview as a teenager I remember the question was asked "what is your strongest attribute?" I replied, "I know how to calm irate people down." I knew I took her by surprise because of the look on her face and then after a long pause she asked me to elaborate.

I was 15 years old at the time and although that seems quite young, I had already experienced a lot by this age. In a previous blog, I mentioned that I buried my first born. What I didn't mention was the fact that I was only 15.

My childhood was actually incredible. The good times far outweigh the bad. By all definitions, we lived a "normal" life with the exception of every single year the Christmas tree would be torn down on Christmas Eve by our parents that spent the day indulging in a little too much alcohol. Which inevitably led to a huge fight between them and ultimately woke me and my sister out of our sleep. As we sat on the landing of the steps, we eventually understood the fight would only last about an hour or so, then everything would return to "normal."

Having alcoholic parents, you learned very quickly how to deal with their temperament based on their alcohol intake. I was able to defuse volatile situations and prevent a lot of unnecessary arguments.

Of course I got the job and was able to handle a fair amount of angry, dissatisfied customers with the same tactics I used with my parents. Every single day, every where we go, we potential will encounter angry, rude, disrespectful people. Complete isolation may not even help because you could be the perpetrator. Side note: I saw a post that said, "imagine burning sage and you pass out cause you the evil spirit" - bad grammar, funny humor, but serious implications.

Dealing with difficult people is a choice. How many times have you said, "they got me on the right day." Implying that your mood is that of little tolerance or, "they are lucky I'm in such a good mood" again implying that because you are happy you will not allow them to steal your peace.

We are compared to an eagle several times in the Bible. In studying the eagle, the crow often agitates the eagle. Although the eagle is bigger in stature, the crow is more agile and can easily twist and turn. Instead of the eagle engaging in battle with the crow, he instead flies higher. The eagle is the only bird that can fly at higher altitudes and eventually the crow loses its ability to compete so he flies away.

Taking the higher road is a choice. A choice that requires first a decision and secondly a hard pill to swallow. We have often times confused meekness with weakness. Society has taught us to give the "same energy we get." However, I believe that when we do that we are in fact losing focus and allowing someone else to distract us from our highest purpose.

Who has enough power or authority to take away the goals and desires you have? This is a rhetorical question clearly but only you have the answer. Ultimately, if you allow a difficult person, one that is rude, bad-mannered, discourteous, and unpleasant to bait you into a trap you are in essence giving them access.

You are in control of your life. You have the ability to decide and execute your decision. With careful planning, firm intentions, patience with yourself and patience with others, nothing or no one can reach you.

YOU ARE DESIGNED TO REIGN IN LIFE

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