Sunday Story…Oscar the Grouch

I am feeling cranky, grouchy, or irritated, with a dollop of anger on top. Not only that, but I am also entitled, I deserve to be this way. It’s my right! I mean look everyone should have the same level of vitriol, it’s obvious that anyone who sees or hears this would also feel exactly like I do.

Not. You get to feel the way you feel but I’m pretty sure it’s a choice, not an entitlement. I can certainly understand your feelings, I can even empathize with them. But if you really think you are entitled, that you deserve them, you might want to reconsider. Going all out and all in on your anger is not the best way to get the rest of us to truly understand what the problem is that you are seeing. Or why you are so lit up about it.

If you want to push me away or have me take an opposite position then spread your entitlement all over me. It will be an effective way for us to remain apart and not communicate. On the other hand, if you want to be understood, seek first to understand (by the way that’s Stephen Covey’s phrase, not mine!)

Be cranky if you want to or if you choose to but don’t expect the rest of us to go along with you. You can be right (and righteous) or you can be connected...It is difficult to be both.

John Mariotti
www.crossfitodyssey.com
www.sunday-stories.blogspot.com
775-338-2412