"Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves." - Carl Jung
Our interactions with others can be extremely insightful experiences.
If you pay enough attention, these interactions can teach you so much.
Not only about the person you're interacting with.
But importantly, about yourself.
Our interactions with others is like holding up a mirror into our own minds.
But as I mentioned, you really have to look to be able to see it.
When someone says something that you completely agree with, what's your reaction?
This feels good to you, as you're both on the same page with the topic of discussion.
This positive emotion provides an insight into what resonates with you.
Conversely, when we don't agree with something someone says or does, this irritates us.
It annoys us, makes us uncomfortable, angry.
This too, is an insight into the types of beliefs and behaviours we do not agree with or dislike about ourselves.
It highlights to us the character traits in ourselves that we may not be fond of.
It shines a light on the things that we may want to improve upon within ourselves.
It gives us the opportunity to take responsibility.
It isn't so much about what people say or do.
It's about how you react to it and why.
Take note when you interact with people.
Be aware of these feelings you have inside you.
Hold that mirror up.
Use it to better understand yourself.
Use it to enquire deeper.
Use it for the betterment of self.
Strive to live, live to strive.
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