Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.

Carl Jung

When I am irritated about something, it is an opportunity for me to grow. I can grow spiritually by taking responsibility for my feelings and set boundaries while I work through them.

That is to say, when something irritates me, it is often because it is triggering a fear from my past. For example, when I hear someone yelling angrily, I feel the need to get away immediately because it triggers fears from my youth when I was angrily yelled at.

When I did my 4th Step and realized why I react this way, I was able to then respect my feelings. While I was was working through this fear, I was able to set the boundary with loved ones that if they started yelling, I would stop the conversation and ask to take a break until we're in better mindsets to discuss that topic. By continuing to work the Steps, set the boundary, and respect and love myself enough to let myself feel my fear as I work through it.

In this way, I was able to grow by learning to love myself.

A meditation for May 20, 2013.

So What – P!nk