This morning when I was out walking with my beloved dog I found myself getting grumpy at her. We do this walk often and always have a good time. Today, she seemed distracted and I almost stepped on her while walking. I yelled at her, interrupting my phone conversation. My friend, on the other end of the phone, made a comment about dogs and kids tend to “act up” when we are on the phone. I finished my phone call and thought that would remedy the situation. I was still a little grumpy thinking about the incident. I told my friend that my dog almost tripped me with the leash. I realized what I had said, the dog almost tripped me. Like she planned to trip me. What a ridiculous thing to think. She is a dog who does not plan ill will on others. When we walk other times, I am rarely on the phone. Today, I was trying to multi task. I was not paying attention to the dog’s movements which almost caused me to trip. It dawned on me, I was making excuses for my anger rather than taking responsibility for my own actions. How often do we try to blame other people or things on our emotions and discomfort. Recently I was losing patience with a friend and felt that I was kind of snappy. I was tired. I hadn’t gotten enough sleep and needed to rest. My lack of self care resulted in unkind words and actions.
How many times do you blame your feelings and actions on outside forces? If we take responsibility for our part in the situation, we have the power to change it. How can this awareness bring more joy and happiness in your life?