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Its Personal But Its Not

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Real Estate Broker/Owner with Criado Realty 0548772

Last week I wrote "Quality not quantity" as the first in a series of 4. Its based on the "Four Agreements" book (movement). The hardest of the agreements, agreements with myself, however, was (not is): Don't take things personally. I say was because now its just how I'm wired. The best reason to take this one to heart is that it is a way of self-healing. When I first learned of this concept I thought, you have got to be kidding? How can something said to and about you personally not be personal?   

 

The Four Agreements Book Cover

I'm an avid follower of the ancient Toltect philosophy made famous by Don Luise Miguel, "The Four Agreements." A few years ago I had a major life change so I went out on a quest to search for the new me.  The philosophy has become more of a life mission.  Its easy to understand at first and a short read, but its way deeper in spirit. It's a way of being. I decided to accept that philosophy I started looking at life differently. Don't take things personally. is #2.

 

The Four Agreements

Words are great but allegories are better. Can we agree that we have different cultures and value systems that creates different views? If someone said they don't like chocolate does that make chocolate bad? Not at all! It means their taste buds are wired differently. Its specific to them. Sure there may be others that don't like chocolate, they may hate it, they may just prefer vanilla, but still, it doesn't make chocolate bad. In fact, the majority of people around the world, from every culture likes chocolate. 

 

Similarly, if I am at a cafe and someone compliments me then I can choose to accept that compliment and kindly say Thank You. Or not. There are some who easily deflect saying, Oh, thank you but I really need to ___________________________ (fill in the blank with their self-perceived deficit).  There is something beautiful in all of us and if we'd just accept the compliment we'd think better of ourselves. We can do the same thing with criticism.

 

If someone critcizes us we can choose to accept it or not. Just because someone doesn't favor, like, or appreciate something, even if it is about us personally, doesn't make it truth.  Not everyone loves chocolate but it doesn't make chocolate unpopular. So why then do we allow others to define who we are? Just like we are what we eat, we are what we think.

 

But it can seem very personal in practicum. I put this into reality when I was in the dating world. It was upsetting when someone I found attractive didn't feel the same about me. But worse, I was letting it define me. I had other opportunities but I wasn't interested. I was stuck on the unobtainable. Once I started practicing what I was studying my thinking evolved. Some people don't like chocolate. There is nothing wrong with that. Sure enough I let it go. 

 

These days I go around with the mentality that we are wired uniquely: different experiences, values, likes, cultures, etc so I accept that we won't all have the same opinions about anything. An opinion is just that, an opinion. Don't take it personally.  From a business standpoint, do what is right for you, assuming it is ethical, but don't let people's opinion change your core.

 

I hope this gives you some insight into your life. Happy reading!

Posted by
Cathy Criado President & Founder
MBA, REALTOR, BROKER, NAR GREEN, EcoBroker
Published Author
Your Real Estate Consultant!
 
999 E Basse Rd. #180-425, ​San Antonio, TX  78209​
​Direct:  (210) 560-1891
 
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Comments(4)

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Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Cathy and  thanks for the interesting information in your blog.  Hope you have a great day!

 

May 19, 2021 08:10 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Cathy,
I long ago figured out that people are the way they are for a reason and I don't always need to know the reason. I just accept they are who they are. I can choose at what level to have them in my life... or not at all.

May 19, 2021 11:11 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Cathy - It can be difficult(maybe even impossible in some ways) to avoid taking things personally especially when you put forth such an individual effort.  

May 20, 2021 05:13 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

This is one of my favorite books, and if one masters these principles ( easier said than done), life would be so much more enjoyable. For me, it's still a work in progress. Lol. 

May 20, 2021 12:13 PM