Being Offended is a Choice

We can't control people's words or actions, but we can control our responses. 

If you think about it, you have probably encountered hundreds of offensive things in your life.  Some people are jerks, some people don't think about what they say, some people are ignorant and just don't understand the impact of what they say or what they do. 

And, I'm willing to be that your reactions to offensive things is not consistent.  If you're in a great mood, an offensive statement probably didn't bring you down.  If you're in a foul mood, something that doesn't usually bother you might really get under your skin.  This inconsistency tells us that how we react is a choice!

Just like most things in life, the more we practice choosing our reactions, the better we get at it.  So, next time you're offended by something, stop and take a deep breath.  When you let that breath out, choose how you'll react.  Sometimes you'll choose to be offended (which, can be kind of fun). Other time, you'll choose to let it roll off you.  Either way -- you're the one making the choice -- and that gives YOU the power in any situation.