How To React When People Push Your Buttons

Top 10 Ways How To React When People Upset You

Are you surrounded by annoying oranges and pushover apples?

Chances are, they are all around you.

Well, there’s always that one person that knows how to get under your skin.

When someone is trying to upset you, the worst thing you can do is oblige them. 

By rewarding their behaviour, you encourage the same thing to happen again in the future. Take control of the situation by taking control of yourself.

Others may push your buttons, but you control your response.

Now let me show you  how to deal with "pushy" people...

How To React When People Push Your Buttons/

Top 10 Ways How To React When People Upset You

1. Consider why they’re trying to upset you. Does the other person dislike you? Are they trying to be funny? Is it about control? What is the purpose of their behaviour?

Once you know the motivation, you’ll be in a better position to choose your response.

Truth is, it's impossible to please everyone. And it's important to learn this life lesson because some people are just intrinsically born with the annoying gene. 

Please read my related blog post on "10 Important Life lessons You Need To Learn Before It's Too Late."

2. Remove the reward. If they’re trying to be funny, tell them you don’t appreciate it. If they’re simply trying to upset you, smile and move on. When they don’t get the reaction they’re looking for, they will usually stop.

3. Stay calm. You’re bigger than a few harsh or mean-spirited words. It’s just sound, not unlike a garbage truck rolling down the street. Take a deep breath, think about something pleasant, and move on. Calming yourself is a skill. Practice as much as possible. Soon, nothing will be able to upset you.

4. Consider how serious you need to be. If the behaviour is inappropriate and you’re at work, consider speaking with your boss or human resources. Do you need to contact the police? Take the necessary steps to ensure your safety is maintained.

5. Consider if you’re at  in any way. Do you complain or whine excessively? Are you unreasonably fussy? Then you’ll probably draw some unwanted comments, fair or not. Do you pick on others? Some observers might decide to even the score. 

6. Stick up for yourself. It’s possible that the other person doesn’t realize that they’re upsetting you. Speak up for yourself and let them know how you feel. No one can read your mind.

Take responsibility for letting others know how you want to be treated. Many bullies will stop if they face any resistance.

7. Deal with your buttons. They are your buttons after all. Why are you so sensitive about this issue? What can you do to remove all the emotion surrounding it? Your personal buttons are your responsibility to deal with. Enjoy the freedom that comes from eliminating them.

8. Address your buttons with others. Maybe you’re sensitive about your weight or your faith. Let others know which topics you’d like to avoid. The other person might be happy to accommodate you in the future. Speak up.

9. Realize that harmful comments come from personal pain. People are mean when they’re hurting in some way. Try to feel compassion for the other person and avoid taking the comments seriously. Some people erroneously believe they can make themselves feel better by making others feel worse.

10.Leave the situation. Take a time out if you’re very upset. It happens. Take a break and give yourself a few minutes to regroup. Everyone needs a time-out on occasion. Go back with a calm mind and refreshed attitude.

Walking away from an upsetting situation is a powerful act as suggested by this article.

It’s no fun when others are trying to disturb your peace.

However, you don’t have to get upset when someone else tries to annoy you.

Take control of the situation and your emotions. Do what you can to discourage the other person. Maintain your composure and choose your response wisely. Pretty soon, you'll find that others are pushing your buttons less and less.

I hope you found this blog post helpful. I appreciate your comments or you can spread the love by sharing this post:)

Cheers to your passion, purpose and freedom,

Cielo Marie

How Steve Jobs Has Transformed My Life

Steve Jobs ~ Simply One of The Greatest Teachers of All Time!

Today I am writing about someone who has made a huge and lasting impact in my life and many other people's lives and transformed the language of generations to come. Steve Jobs is a perfect example that in life, everything and anything is possible when you put your whole heart into it.

 When I was a kid, the main way by which people do long-distance communication was via the telegram. If you're not familiar with this then maybe you were born after my generation:) I used to be amazed how a strip of paper with short, somewhat emotionless, straight to the point text, can connect people separated by long distances. It wasn't as simple as today, because back then, people had to travel to the post office to send a telegram. And by the time it reached the intended recipient, usually after a few weeks or so, the news was already past its due date :)

After a decade or so, the internet came and took the world by storm. Online chatting was the norm then and got everyone hooked. The world suddenly became smaller, as one could easily and readily connect with a loved one or a friend who might be on the other side of the planet.

During one of our after-dinner walks, I remembered my father saying, " The world is changing. It is smaller than you think. Soon, there'll be no walls or oceans separating people, as everyone will be connected."

For me, one person made this possible, and you know who he is, Steve Jobs. He revolutionized everything and set the standards for the computer industry with his Apple inventions. In fact, I'm writing this on my Macbook, a pretty sleek gadget, without which I wouldn't be able to write my blog posts.

But for all that he's done to improve the way people communicate with each other, nothing beats his attitude. Out of nothing, he became something. There was no way he could do and be what he is today, one of the greatest teachers of all time.

A product of adoption, a college dropout, who experienced major setbacks in his career and diagnosed with cancer, all of these did nothing to break his spirit. For me, he is the ultimate expression of the word, POSSIBILITY. Though faced with failure after failure and rejection, he remained steadfast in pursuit of the things that he loved most. He didn't settle for the ordinary, rather strive to perfect each and every technology he'd ever invented.

A great advocate for change, he religiously reflected upon himself everyday by looking into the mirror and asking himself questions. If he felt that something needed changing, he took action. He didn't fear change, rather embraced it. He lived and breathed possibility, thus, left a legacy for all generations to be grateful for.

Fast forward to today, the world has changed immensely, with all the latest technologies and apps that simplify the way people connect with each other. In a split second, one can instantly connect with another through social media by sharing tweets, photos or videos.

Like many people, my Iphone has become part of my wardrobe. It is a necessity, not a luxury. I use it to capture magical moments with my son, connect with family and friends, as well as pay for stuff online. Life has never been easier.  In my hand I hold just a fraction of one person's great legacy, which I'm truly grateful for.

My father was right, the world has truly become smaller. Thanks to the genius and foresight of one great man, Steve Jobs.

Seize the moment!

Cielo Marie :-) 

Change it or Lose it!

WHY CHANGE IS ESSENTIAL TO REACH YOUR HIGHEST POTENTIALS

I'm sharing this post with you because it's a very timely message for everyone. I believe that as a person, God created each one of us so that we can reach our highest potentials. And the ability to change, embrace change with all its uncertainties are essential to one's purpose here on earth. 

It's our innate nature to seek new things, learn new ideas and discover new ways of self-expression. Change is part and parcel of life, so don't resist it. We are here to grow, that's basically it. But, you need to make the choice and follow through with commitment to make that change. 

If you are not happy with your present situation, then by all means, change it. Otherwise, change your thoughts about it... somehow you'll find yourself feeling better about your situation. So, my challenge to you is, find something new to do, learn, discover today. 

Challenge yourself to grow and let your mind expand to its fullest expression.

Seize the moment!

Cheers to your passion,purpose and freedom,

Cielo Marie

11 Simple Steps to Mindfulness : How To Live In The Moment in 2017

Learning how to live in the moment in 2017 is an essential ingredient in one's quest to achieve a great lifestyle in this modern times. It is impossible to enjoy life at the highest level without being fully aware of the present moment. 

Our minds are very active and constantly attempting to break free to occupy themselves with the past, the future, and pure fantasy. While it’s good to prepare for the future and learn from the past, focusing primarily on the present has many benefits.

Try these  11 Simple Steps to Mindfulness : How To Live In The Moment in 2017

I hope you find value in these 11 simple ways to live in the moment and be present with your life:

1. Avoid worry. Worrying is a wasted effort and can only happen when you look to the future. Keep your thoughts on your environment and your current activity. You can’t worry if you leave the future alone.

2. Avoid regret. Take heed from the song in the popular children's movie Frozen, "Let it go, Let it go..." Regret arrives while thinking about the past. The past is over and no longer exists.

So if you're thinking of overhauling your life in order to create your dream lifestyle, do it now.

3. Turn off electronic devices. Easy to say but hard to do but if you're committed, then by golly, " Turn it off!" Cell phones, computers, iPods, and gaming systems distract from the present moment. Find your enjoyment in your life rather than in an imaginary world or in frivolous communication.

4. Avoid multitasking. Try doing one task at a time. Current research is overwhelmingly in favor of single-tasking. You’ll find you perform the task faster and at a higher level. Let multitasking be a thing of the past. Single-tasking is much more conducive to living in the present.

5. Eliminate unnecessary items. Having too many possessions is more of a burden than an advantage. Owning too many things results in disorder that clutters both your physical environment and your mind. If you don’t need it, consider giving it away or selling it.

6. When you hold a grudge, the only one suffering is you! Picture yourself holding a hot stone, which represents the grudge you hold for someone. The person who gets burned is not your enemy but yourself! Anger is distracting and keeps you from enjoying the current moment.

7. Go slowly and deliberately. Rushing creates a unique type of anxiety. Give yourself the time you need to enjoy the current activity. Address one task at a time and give it your full attention. As the saying goes, "Keep calm and carry on."

8. If someone is speaking to you, give them your full attention and participate in the conversation to the best of your ability. It is not only a sign of respect for the speaker, but you get the full benefits of what he/she has to say.

9. Spend 5 minutes of each hour describing your environment. Take 5 minutes and describe to yourself everything you see, hear, smell, and feel. It’s an easy way to bring your mind back to the present moment and keep it there. There’s no way to compete theexercise without being mindful.

10. Eat slowly and enjoy your food. By eating slower, you’ll have the chance to enjoy your food more. You’ll also eat less, which is a good thing for many of us. Try eating an entire orange one piece at a time. Go slowly and focus on the flavor of each section.

11. Under schedule. Too many obligations results in a crowded schedule and time concerns. It’s not easy to stay focused on the current task if you’re worried about being on time for the next one. Leave space between your obligations. Do less and experience more.

Avoid missing out on your life and losing so much time to the past and the future. Living in the moment is a habit and a skill.

Indulging in worry and regret are also habits. While it’s not possible to live entirely in the moment, life is more enjoyable and meaningful when your focus is on the present.

So, there you have it. I hope you gained value from my blog post and start practicing some, if not all these 11 Simple Steps to Mindfulness and Begin Living In The Moment in 2017.

Cheers to your passion, purpose and freedom,

Cielo Marie

THE POWER OF GRATITUDE

No one can dispute the power that gratitude brings to one's life. Indeed, counting your blessings will definitely bring you more blessings to be grateful for. It is beyond explanation but the Universe conspires to bring you good, always.

An attitude of gratitude, I believe, is the hardest trait to cultivate because as humans, frail and vulnerable as we are, challenges and difficulties greet us every day.  It is not easy to be grateful when life knocks you hard, pushing you down on your knees, begging for the sun to bring you hope when tomorrow comes. It takes time to build a grateful heart, as well as to realize the impact of living a life full of gratitude.

But mind you, once you feel gratitude even for the smallest thing, that simple act of feeling grateful will boomerang, bringing you bigger things to be grateful for. I admit that sometimes I forget to say the magic words, "Thank you." It's a simple thing to say but I've noticed that every time I utter the words, "Thank you," the receiver almost always lights up with a smile. I guess, not many people are taking this seriously, or this practice must have gone out of style. 

Every night before you go to sleep, say thank you to our Creator for showering you with endless blessings. List them down, every single thing that you are thankful for. Then, upon waking up, say thank you once again for a good sleep and the promise of a magnificent day ahead. There are so many things to be thankful for, the bed you sleep in, the water you have for your shower, the food on the table, the roof over your head, and the list goes on.

If you have been less appreciative or ungrateful in your life, it's never too late to change your ways. You will be amazed by the inner transformation that will definitely take place once you start feeling more grateful. Your life will never be the same...you'll wake up joyous, excited and passion-filled. You will bring more of the good things into your life whenever your lips utter the words "Thank You."

So start feeling grateful today. 

Just a thought...children epitomise the power of gratitude. Check out my blog on "How To Be Childlike: Looking Through The Eyes Of A Child"

Please comment and share if you find this post helpful :)

Cheers to your passion, freedom and purpose,

Cielo Marie

How To Be Childlike : Looking Through The Eyes Of A Child

True beauty comes from WITHIN, not without. Truly, when one sees through the EYES of a child, life's simple pleasures become magical.

In a child's mind, there is no such thing as ordinary, mundane or boring because a child BELIEVES in endless possibilities.

When a child casts his/her eyes towards the sky, that child doesn't simply see the blue sky but sees way more beyond that. You'll be awed by the craziness and boldness of their IMAGINATION.

Children will talk of seeing angels fleeting between clouds, aiming marshmallows at airplanes and hearing them sing, "Twinkle, twinkle little star." Such is their belief in the workings of their innocent minds that the world is one big playground, a haven for everything that shouts "FUN."

Children are so consumed with being " IN THE MOMENT"... playing, creating, exploring, discovering, learning and expressing themselves, that life becomes interesting. There is not a dull moment in a child's day.

For these playful and tiny miracles of God, there is no yesterday nor tomorrow. The only thing they care about is TODAY...as they excitedly unwrap the gift of the PRESENT with astonishing joy and glee, knowing in their hearts that all is well with the world.

Unlike adults, children live like the day will never end, because for them, TIME is just an ILLUSION. They never worry about anything, believing that all will come to happen because they THINK so.

They show their TRUE feelings by smiling or laughing when they're happy, crying when upset or just being "difficult" when it suits them. Like a chameleon in sheep's clothing, they change their auras to suit their present mood and they don't care less. In other words, their feelings are a true reflection of their inner state.

Children don't know WORRY.

Children don't know FEAR.

Children don't know FAILURE.

We as adults can learn so much from our children. Therefore, it's time to be young at heart again, as age is no barrier for people who dare to dream big.

It's time to reconnect with your INNER SOUL, a sanctuary for that child in you that you chose to forget. How to be childlike is a matter of significance because there is a child in each one of us, patiently waiting and longing to play again.

And as I end this piece, may I ask you as you start your day, to remember to look up to the sky and find your angels behind the clouds. They might be singing a different tune today...care for some "Rock n' roll" music?

Now, be still and know that you can revisit your childhood and learn how to be childlike again. 

"Imagine...

Climb trees...

Fly a kite...

Run in the fields...

Play in the rain...

Lick the lolly jar...

Ride a bike...

Be silly...

Laugh to your heart's content."

If you like this post, you might want to read my blog post on "13 Practical Ways to Live Out Your Dreams Without Quitting Your Day Job."

Cheers to your passion, purpose and freedom,

Cielo Marie

Are you truly at peace?

My post today really resonates with me because throughout the years I have been asking myself over and over again if I am really, truly at peace.  There were times in my life where chaos, uncertainty, even trivial matters reigned over my head. Human as I am, I felt overwhelmed at times, however, my faith in Someone Higher than me almost always helped me get through the storms of life. 

I found out that my answer to the question, "Are you truly at peace?" lies not in my head, but in my heart which knows, understands and believes.

Personally, I associate the mind with madness or simply, craziness. You see, when you take a step back and try to analyze how the mind works, you'll be overwhelmed by its intricacies. Its brilliance and genius are simple unfathomable. 

Yet, if left untamed, the mind can go haywire like an untended garden overrun with weeds.The mind doesn't ever seem to stop thinking, worrying, analyzing, judging, interpreting, etc. Like clockwork and similar to the heart which beats nonstop, the mind works in exactly the same way. So, how can we tame our minds so as not to become too crazy?

In a sense, the mind is a  powerful force which when left on its own can wreak havoc on a person's sanity. It enforces what it believes to be true, based on painful past experiences, limiting beliefs, conditioned responses, even opinions from people we revere. Facts are distorted to accommodate the ego, an almost separate entity that resides in our minds. Therefore, the mind is never at peace, if that is the case. 

Ego seeks to create chaos where there is none. We are all guilty of this through never-ending worrying, judging other people, belittling ourselves and questioning our capabilities.

I think it is futile to try to stop thinking to try to achieve peace within ourselves. It is totally impossible unless someone is dead. But I noticed that when I meditate and spend a few minutes each day in complete silence, I feel a sense of peace overtake me, despite the uncertainties looming ahead of me. I begin to trust in myself again, as well as regain my faith in the One Above who is always there for me. 

Most times, I say a prayer and thank God for his divine blessings, for I know that when I ask, I always receive. Also, I do these things whenever I need to get my head clear- doing stretching exercises, going out for a walk, listening to my fave music, doing deep breathing exercises, saying affirmations, maintaining a grateful attitude by counting my blessings, playing with my son,nieces and nephews, watching funny videos, hanging out with friends, having a laugh with my siblings, etc.

I have mentioned that the mind is like a separate entity, which you have little control over, or so you thought. You may or may not notice this when sometimes, you catch yourself talking to...who else, but your self. Funny, eh. Seriously, master your thoughts and don't let your mind rule your life. Rather, let your heart rule your life. For the heart is the home of one's soul, a peaceful entity, willing and obliging to seek peace at all times. Therefore, when you have peace within your heart, that's when you can truly say that you are at peace.

So, guard your heart from hatred and learn to forgive others. I agree it is hard to forgive especially if you have been hurt, but in all things, surely there is a lesson to be learned. Let go of negative thoughts and free your self from negative people for they seek to poison your soul. Learn to let go of the past, look forward to a wonderful future and most of all, find joy in your present moment. To be alive at this very moment is a beautiful gift from our Creator God. Therefore, feel good or better still, feel great at all times despite all the negativity in this world.

A few short weeks before my father suddenly passed away, he told me that he had come full circle. When I asked him what he meant, he answered with a knowing smile, " I am at peace with the world, with my fellow men, with my Creator and with myself." I will never forget his words of wisdom, which truly reflected how he lived his life till his last breath.

And to end my post, I believe that the most important thing you need to do to truly have peace is to forgive yourself. Just like everyone else, I have my insecurities, but I have learned to accept myself for all my strengths and flaws. 

Deep in my heart, I know that God created me in His image and likeness, which means that I was fearfully, wonderfully and perfectly made.

So, learn to love yourself and fall in love with you! You are beautiful, you are perfect, you are important! When you bathe yourself with love, acceptance and respect, the heart which feels, understands and believes shall overflow with the same. And peace will reign in your life once more.

So let me ask you this question again, " Are you truly at peace?" Please feel free to comment below.

Seize the moment...

Cheers to your passion, purpose and freedom,

Cielo Marie