How to Not Let Others Control Your Emotions

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Have you ever caught yourself saying: “He/she made me so angry!”

The operative word here is “made”. Think about it. When you say someone made (or makes) you angry, did they really? Did they hold you at gunpoint and say “be angry, or I’ll shoot!” Do they have mind control super powers? Did they take over your subconscious, manipulate your neurotransmitters, and produce the adrenaline for you? Highly unlikely. No one can make you cry. No one can make you happy. No one can make you sad. No one can make you feel better. No one can make you feel guilt, shame, anger, or disappointment. No one can make you feel any way. Only you can do that.

When it comes to emotions and outcomes in general, there are two sides: Cause and effect. Action = reaction. When you are on the “cause” side of the equation, you are in the driver’s seat. When you’re on the “effect” side, you become the victim.

When you blame someone for your mood, thoughts, feeling, and emotions, you are playing the victim. You are allowing them to…