What?
Why would I be outraged?

Good question.
I think I elevated being offended to a high level in my life. It’s easier to post about me but I see it everywhere, too. So many of us get highly offended. By everything.
Some (Me) will take offended and become Outraged!
How dare they do … whatever it is that torques us off!
In other words, taking things personally. Very personally.

To help prove my point take a look at any election year. See firsthand how so many get offended/outraged by what candidates say! Watching the debates? These people are showcasing how much they deserve to win by being more outraged than anyone else. Of course, when you’re outraged it means you care, really care!

Back to me. I would get offended to show how I fit in. To let others know how tough I could be.
It sometimes worked. I didn’t always get into altercations, but I was always ready!

Have to be honest, though. It’s hard. To be always offended meant I had to always be “on.”
Had to always be on the look out to be, well yes…to be offended. I looked for situations where I could let others know much I was upset.

Once, I almost went off on a business owner when I saw a tattered American flag flying outside his building!
The…Flag…was…tattered!

Almost went off. He (or she) was lucky I didn’t stop. I… was…outraged!
What stopped me? I was driving by the building but was running late for work.

Yes I know it’s ridiculous. All of it. It’s stressful. It’s hard work.
And I don’t want to do it anymore. I’m tired.

I negotiate contracts as part of my job. I wrote Reaching Resolutions 10 Rules for Success too.

I discovered if I got offended every time my adversaries at the bargaining table insulted or challenged me, my job got ten times more difficult. Every time my principals changed direction, implemented new policies or interpreted rules without a heads up and I got upset, my life became extremely more complex.

In my book the solution is covered in rule #1. And rule #2.
I don’t want more complex. I want simplex.

So, I had to learn others don’t change because of me. The only change I could control was my reaction.
Bonus: if they wanted to offend me and I don’t respond with outrage it’s a point for me.
I win, they lose!

No more taking offense. Or taking things personally.
Or being outraged. By everything.

No more thundering on about all the injustice that’s happening. To me.

So I’m quitting. Stopping right now. It doesn’t mean I don’t care, it means I’m in control.
Of myself, my reaction.
It’s no longer personal.
And if it makes you upset, well score one for me.

My resolutions for this year are to:
Be (more) Happy.
Be (more) Grateful.
Practice daily the 4 cornerstones of good health (physical, spiritual, mental and emotional).

And one addition.

I resolve to Stop being outraged!

Catching a ride on the train, my friend.
Peace out.

Happy Birthday Mom!
JT

Click the vid link below and ride the train.