If someone hands you something, do you reflexively accept it or first consider whether you want it? If you pause and consider what they are offering, you might say, “No, thank you” and move on unencumbered.

The same is true if someone expresses angst or complains about their problems. You can take these on or you can refuse them. By all means empathize and offer your support. You can do that without taking the issues as your own.

If someone does you wrong, you can choose to forgive them before they apologize. If you wait for the apology, you are giving them power over you. Why should someone else prevent you from letting go of anger, resentment or other negative emotions?

If other people are bringing you down, is it time to take back your power?