Bait

You know those moments where someone says something to you where you instantly know they are baiting you? Maybe not intentionally, but baiting nonetheless. Yesterday, I experienced just that. After the week I have had, I was looking forward to simply existing without dealing with heavy situations. Apparently, that was a big, fat “NO” from the universe.

I wrote about reactions in my last blog. How worrying and reacting are a complete waste of energy. And, I suppose, I am getting a lot of practice in this area. I had someone close to me share some information that was definitely difficult to digest. I listened. That’s my first rule. Simply being able to listen. Sure, in my head, I am thinking, “WTF”, but I am completely invested in hearing what they have to say.

One of my favorite phrases to voice, when someone verbally vomits on me is, “what do you want me to do with this information?”. This allows the individual to instruct me. Most of the time, people don’t want you to “fix” the situation, they simply want an ear. Someone to really hear them. So, that is what I provided. Sure, I was concerned. Wondering how this person was going to deal with their current predicament. But, I didn’t take it on. I didn’t get consumed by their issue. I didn’t allow it to take me hostage.

I compare it to fishing. Someone can easily bait me, hook me, and then I am left floundering on the floor. No more. I don’t have time for that shit. The beautiful thing is that I can be supportive without being a hostage. I can be a listening ear without trying to find a solution for their problem. News flash…..everyone has their own Higher Power and I am not it. What a relief not to be responsible for anyone else but me.