Mindful Living Lab

– Detach your self-worth from other people’s behavior – Someone cancels plans last minute. Your boss gives short feedback. A friend reads your message… and doesn’t reply. And just like that, your mind goes: “Did I do something wrong?” “Are they mad at me?” “I must’ve messed up somehow.” If this spiral feels familiar, you’re not alone. Taking things personally is emotional Velcro — everything sticks to you. Let’s learn how to unhook. 🤔 Why Do We Take Things So Personally? We link our worth to others’ approval We’ve experienced rejection in the past We’re hyper-attuned to tone, silence, and withdrawal We assume we’re the cause of discomfort — even when we’re not But here’s the truth: Most of what others do is about them , not you. 🛠️ 4 Tools to Stop Internalizing Everything 1. Ask: “What Else Could Be True?” When your mind fills in the blanks with negativity, pause. Instead of: “They’re ignoring me because I’m annoying.” Try: “Maybe the...

– Turning feedback into strength without losing yourself – Criticism can feel like a punch in the gut. Even when it’s “constructive,” it can leave us anxious, ashamed, or spiraling with self-doubt. But here’s the truth: Criticism doesn’t have to crush you. You can learn to receive it — without internalizing it. ⚠️ Why Criticism Hurts So Much We attach our worth to performance. (“If I made a mistake, I must be the mistake.”) We’ve experienced harsh judgment in the past. Childhood, school, toxic workplaces — it leaves emotional residue. We never learned the difference between feedback and rejection. It all feels personal. 🛠️ Step 1: Breathe Before You React When someone criticizes you — even gently — your nervous system goes on high alert. ✅ Pause ✅ Take a breath ✅ Remind yourself: This is information, not an attack. Don’t respond immediately. Center yourself first. 🧠 Step 2: Filter the Feedback Ask yourself: Is this about me or their expectations ? ...