So, I did what I do every time something is troubling me - I prayed about it. After mulling it over with Him, I came up with this idea: every time my mind starts to go to that dark place, instead of thinking the worst, stop and give that person the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they don't plan their day around making my life miserable, maybe they don't wake up in the morning and say "I really want to mess with her " and maybe, just maybe, they didn't even stop to consider how their actions would affect me at all. Maybe people are basically good and honorable and just. Maybe they don't have a secret agenda. Maybe some people don't deserve the benefit of the doubt. Give it to them anyway!
So, I have begun to train myself to give others the benefit of the doubt - or B.O.D.as I like to call it! When my mind wanders, I immediately think or say to myself "B.O.D., baby"! It somehow takes the sting out of it and I find myself chuckling to myself and suddenly whatever it was that was bothering me is now forgotten and I've moved on. It no longer has the power to upset me because I have taken away it's control. It's actually pretty cool!
I remember reading somewhere that you should treat everyone you meet with kindness because everyone is fighting some sort of battle you know nothing about. So, the next time someone pisses you off in traffic, imagine that they are headed to the doctor's office to get a second opinion on their cancer or the next time someone is rude to you, imagine that they are pre occupied because they just received some horrible news. Life is short. Don't go through it mad or angry or resentful. Just give others the benefit of the doubt. It will add immense joy to your life and maybe even a few years!
"Train your mind to see the good in every situation"
