Staying calm when you feel offended is as much a gift to yourself as it is to your offender.

It was one of those voicemails that left me wondering, “Why me? Why today?”

I was totally blindsided by the criticism playing through my phone. I felt like going back to bed and pulling the covers over my head! Criticism hurts. It just does.

No matter who you are, how many people are encouraging you, or how happy you felt before you got “that call,” one drop of criticism spreads fast and furious.

I knew I had to eventually return that phone call, but I didn’t want to. I knew I should be gentle and loving, but the answer I wanted to give was not gentle.

Despite my feelings, I had to make the decision to stay calm.

I definitely don’t always get it right, but I’m learning that staying calm is as much a gift to myself as it is to my offender.