Rose of Sharon I appreciated Tim’s heartfelt comment to last week’s blog and it got me thinking about negativity that comes from others and how to deal with it. Over time, we all develop coping mechanisms – some are more successful than others. One approach that I’ve used often to deal with ME/CFS negativity - and negativity for other reasons as well - has been particularly helpful for me.
When I’m talking with someone or reading an e-mail, and the other person sends me a stream of negativity – whether they understand what they’re doing or not – I play mental dodgeball. Remember back to when you were in grade school and you were at recess or in gym class. Picture yourself as your kid self. You’re on the team that’s in the middle and it’s your turn to dodge the ball.
Now you see a ball coming right at you. Your reflexes kick in and you move to your right. The ball misses, passes by you, and goes on its’ way. You’ve dodged that ball. You don’t really care where it goes next. It’s no longer your concern.
So back to that person sending negativity at you. In your mind, step aside and let it flow past you. Don’t absorb it, don’t dwell on it, just let it go by. And yes, sometimes you have to mentally step aside throughout most of a conversation but you learn to not have lots of interaction with that person even if you encounter them frequently in your life. A wave, a smile, a kind word, then off you go - you don’t hang around long enough to have to dodge negativity.
Playing mental dodgeball has become a good strategy for me when I’m dealing with ME/CFS negativity. What strategies do you use? Please COMMENT on this blog or Send in your thoughts and I’ll post them with your permission. You can use the Contact Form or send an email to Martha at DefeatCFS dot net. And Guest Blogs are most welcome!
Look for a weekly posting on Tuesdays. And consider being part of the conversation.
Be Well Again,
Martha
When I’m talking with someone or reading an e-mail, and the other person sends me a stream of negativity – whether they understand what they’re doing or not – I play mental dodgeball. Remember back to when you were in grade school and you were at recess or in gym class. Picture yourself as your kid self. You’re on the team that’s in the middle and it’s your turn to dodge the ball.
Now you see a ball coming right at you. Your reflexes kick in and you move to your right. The ball misses, passes by you, and goes on its’ way. You’ve dodged that ball. You don’t really care where it goes next. It’s no longer your concern.
So back to that person sending negativity at you. In your mind, step aside and let it flow past you. Don’t absorb it, don’t dwell on it, just let it go by. And yes, sometimes you have to mentally step aside throughout most of a conversation but you learn to not have lots of interaction with that person even if you encounter them frequently in your life. A wave, a smile, a kind word, then off you go - you don’t hang around long enough to have to dodge negativity.
Playing mental dodgeball has become a good strategy for me when I’m dealing with ME/CFS negativity. What strategies do you use? Please COMMENT on this blog or Send in your thoughts and I’ll post them with your permission. You can use the Contact Form or send an email to Martha at DefeatCFS dot net. And Guest Blogs are most welcome!
Look for a weekly posting on Tuesdays. And consider being part of the conversation.
Be Well Again,
Martha
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