Let them test you

“Compassion, forgiveness, these are the real, ultimate sources of power for peace and success in life.”
-Tenzin Gyatso, The 14th Dalai Lama quotes (Dalai Lama, b.1935)

I was talking with a couple friends last week about life situations, that included tough bosses and random unpleasant people that were just not happy in life and decide to take there frustrations out on other people. The theory being, those who are inherently good and happy, treat others with respect and kindness, while those with insecurities, lacking confidence and happiness, lash out at others to make themselves feel better.

To be specific, we feel people cross your path with the potential to aggravate and frustrate, testing your ability to forgive and help others rise from lacking to finding there purpose. We asked each other to note the first and subsequent interactions that provided this level of aggravation. A couple of us thought it may take a little while, another did not. The latter was correct. Within a couple days we came across people who significantly aggravated us, and it was a reminder to hold true to your purpose, smiling and recognizing their struggle.

Now don’t get me wrong, each of us can be the aggravator at certain points, and I’ll be the first one to say I have, but that gets less and less as time goes on. For me, its been the poor customer service agent for the TTC subway system in Toronto, the rude lady in line at Starbucks or today the out of control girl on the subway (thankfully annoying the crap out of another patron, but everyone within 20 feet in general).

If you can think about this a little head of time, you will find yourself in a more relaxed and prepared mood to see through the troubles of others…and like another friend had shared with me, like water off a ducks back…not taking the stress of others on.