26 November 2021
“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”
Carl Jung
Reflection
One of the most unproductive pursuits I put energy into is to be annoyed with others. The funny thing is that I tend to believe in it. It's like I have the thinking that “if only others change and instead do as I please, the world would be a much better place”. Cognitively I might think that Carl Jung's quote is correct. But when I stand in front of someone who does or says something absolutely insane, then that knowledge disappears and I am surprised that someone actually can be so completely stupid. Without any thoughts on my own shortcomings.
Today's exercise
The next time you get annoyed with someone, follow these steps:
Put words (for your self) to your judgement of the person
How does it feel to think that someone else would have the same judgment about you?
Do you do anything in your life to prevent others from having this judgment about you?
Tip of the day
Even if you do not believe in the following sentence, give it a try and use it the next five times you are annoyed with someone: "My irritation with x says more about myself than about x".
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