Have you ever known someone who seemed to be waging war against everyone and everything? Hey, best be careful not to look at them in the wrong way – just in case you find yourself on the chopping block!
These fighters somehow read into things that are maybe not entirely there or entirely true. Sometimes these folks are offended easily, and may be a tad oversensitive. Their walls go up, their fists go up, and boy, oh boy, their mouths are ready to hurl out dangerous words. They are ready for war, and you better move out of the way fast.
What is interesting is that these individuals are utterly exhausted. Probably because for them every day equates to a battlefield of some kind. It is both mentally and emotionally exhausting. They overthink things, react emotionally, and they do this on repeat. Phew… I get exhausted just thinking about it.
ARE YOU WAGING WAR?
Do you find yourself going to war with everyone and everything? Are you maybe feeling exhausted, and do you want to change your strategy for your emotional wellbeing? Then maybe some of the following tips below can help you move forward.
Stop: Stop for a moment, and ask yourself if what is bothering you is a justified response or a reaction of offence?
Understand: Understand what causes you to feel those things. Is it something rooted in past hurts, fears, or disappointments? Understand your trigger responses to things, and know where it is coming from.
Decide: Decide if this worth getting into a fight over. Is it worth your time? Will it bring change? Is there value in going to war over it? Will the outcome be positive and fruitful? Think before you speak by reflecting on the reason for your action and the outcome that may follow from this.
Speak: If you want to confront someone and you feel that it will bring a positive outcome, then prepare your heart beforehand and know more or less what it is you want to say. Speak to the other person concerned with love, respect, and kindness in your words. If your words come across as hurtful, offensive, or condescending, it may just put the other person off and they may not want to listen to you or resolve issues with you.
CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES WISELY
It can be so exhausting trying to fight every battle, and feel like we are losing all of them. Sometimes we wage war for the sake of waging war, or for the sake of being right, or being heard all of the time. The thing is if we are trying to fight with everyone we will soon push others away from us and feel very lonely.
And yes, sometimes there is a time and place for confrontation that brings about positive change. Before waging war, just pause for a moment and ask yourself if it is worth your time and energy, and understand if it will be helpful and bring about positive results.