We all have our preferences and our points of irritation, distraction or tenderness that could lead to frustration, agitation, anxiety or hurts.

This article transitions from the internal dialogue to social influences in our lives. We all have things that excite us and equally irritate us… There is nothing wrong with having these preferences. This is our humanity.

The key is understanding not only what makes us happy… but what takes away that sunshine.

When we truly understand the root cause, the underlying factors that contribute to those irritations or aggravations, then, we can plan, make changes that are within our own control, develop a strategy to avoid a positivity sabotage.

When we continue, time and again, to be annoyed or respond to something that isn’t working for us, we end up sabotaging ourselves. Why would we do that?

Embrace yourself, understand your unique preferences, and get in touch with these tough parts about you too. I found this to be eye opening and a relief for myself. I became empowered with options and choices when confronted with tough situations or people. My anxiety reduced… Good stuff.

Handout: What’s the bother – Positivity Sabotage

Print out the worksheet and only complete the first and second columns, the Irritant and the Bother columns. The last column will be completed as we continue through the course.

Reflect and write about:  What did you learn about yourself in this exercise?