I acquaint this with the flight attendant instructions, “Put
your oxygen mask on first, then assist your seat mate.” This means that
whatever your plans are, they are not to be sidetracked by the needs of others.
Put yourself first. Don't do it with a selfish "Me First" attitude, but just check in with what you need to do and see how you can then deal mentally what the other person is asking or saying.
I was put to the test right off the bat the first day of
school when I entered the building. There was an adult waiting for me at the
library door, making demands as soon as I approached. I listened. I held my
tongue and didn’t get snarky. I told this adult that I needed to put down my
purse and place my lunch in the fridge, but as soon as I settled those in
place, I would help. I took care of my needs and still was able to help. Of
course, this didn’t stop me from thinking the snarky things I wanted to say,
but I didn’t project it out loud.
I’ve been practicing Be Zen for a few days and, for the most
part, I’ve been successful. There are times where I just really want to lay
into someone for whatever reason, but then I just hold my breath, think, and
the right response comes out.
To be honest, here, it’s a lot less stressful to not get
irritated by people. Surprisingly, once I trigger my mind to Be Zen about
something, it takes away minutes, and sometimes even hours, of steaming over a
situation. I just don’t worry about it much anymore. It’s really amazing. Imagine what the world would be like if everyone did this.