But he said - But she did

Forgive others, forgive yourself and let it go.

By: Debbie Hasbrook, M.Ed.

Today might not have turned out as you hoped. 

The kids were unruly, a parent fussed at you, a co-worker did or said something, you said or did something, your employer did or said something, or you didn't feel as though you were on your game. Not to mention everything that might have happened in your personal life. Nothing you tried worked and you feel discouraged.

Know that 90% of what happens to you is not intentional, it's just a misunderstanding. People can often project their concerns about some other issue on to you; they don’t mean to, it’s just human nature. If you know you hurt someone, try to make amends. If someone has hurt you, talk to them if you can. You may be surprised at what you find out!

My husband and I play a game called “I wonder why?” When someone does or says something that hurts or upset us, we think of reasons why they did that. Like, maybe their cat ran away. Maybe they aren't feeling well. Maybe they had a fight with their spouse or they didn't win the lottery. It helps us to remember not to take it personally. Sometimes it’s hard but we try.

They probably didn't realize how they were perceived because they were wrapped up in their own concerns. Has anyone ever asked if you were upset with them because you were frowning when you happened to look up at them? When what you were thinking about had nothing to do with them.

Forgive others, forgive yourself and let it go.

Learn from the past, but don't live there.

There is always tomorrow.

About the author: Debbie Hasbrook is a full time trainer with Successful Solutions Training in Child Development. Debbie has worked with children and families for 37 years. In that time she has been a home provider, teacher, director, Regional and State conference presenter and Adjunct faculty at a number of colleges in Washington State. Her education includes a Master of Education, Montessori Preschool Degree and several certifications. Debbie is independently approved through the Washington Dept. of Early Learning as an advanced trainer, which qualifies her to provide Washington STARS and CDA Training. In addition, Debbie is an approved Master Trainer in Oregon for the Core Body of Knowledge training.