When people just don't understand...

You are trying something new.

You are exploring your spirituality.

You are cutting back.

You want to lose weight.

You are looking at starting a course.


All these things tend to make others uncomfortable, angry or confused and they don't understand why you are doing what you are doing.


You have changed. You are growing. You are finding who you truly are and what makes you unbelievably happy.


This all comes from an experience I had recently with someone close to me and I know that it happens to others out there so I wanted to share with you, firstly, you are not alone and secondly, some tips on how to deal with situations like this.


Here is my situation, I recently attended The Paleo Way event by Pete Evans and I was so fascinated I wanted to start implementing some small changes into my diet. I love experimenting and seeing how my body reacts to different ways of eating and this was no exception.  Pretty much I just wanted to cut back on dairy (not completely) and enjoy almond milk in my coffee which is a little gem I tried at a café in Sydney in May (so good). Nothing huge!


When I next saw the above mentioned person, I told them about the event because they wanted to know and I just quickly mentioned that I was going to start trying some new things including cutting back on dairy, key word 'cutting back' not 'cutting out'. They got this look on their face and asked quite abruptly, "why are you doing that? what's wrong with dairy?". 




I would usually get my back up and try to talk around these type of people but I have learnt that this reaction is usually something within themselves. Maybe they know they need to change something in their diet, or they don't have the courage to do what you are doing and so the list goes on. But the key message is, it isn't about you, it is about them.

:: My tips for handling these types of situations...

• Don't argue the point with them, it will be like banging your head against a brick wall.
  
  
• Let them state their opinion but don't take it any further. Reply with "Thank you for your opinion, but I am happy with the direction I am going."
  
  
• If this persons is close to you, explain to them why you are doing this or trying that. Give them the facts and tell them it makes you happy or is something that you want to try. If they still give you a hard time and don't support you, maybe it is time to think if you need them in your life. The people that truly love you will accept you warts and all.
  
  
• Remind people you are an adult and you are capable of making decisions that you feel are best for you at this time.
  
  
• Some times it may take a few conversations before they get it but keep persisting, don't give up on whatever it is that you want, need or desire.

There are people out there that may not understand why you are doing certain things and that is completely fine, just don't let them smother your passion. 


I know for me I am now into different things than I used to be 12 months ago; meditation, spirituality, blogs, self-love, meeting like minded people, drinking green smoothies + herbal teas, writing, blogging, connecting to my intuition + spirit guides, crystals, alternative therapies (reiki, healing, kinesiology) and learning about me. This may not be what some of my close friends are into and I respect that. I don't go on about this stuff with them because it just isn't what they are into but I have now made some amazing friends who love all this stuff and I can chat to them about this stuff for hours on end. 


Know your audience lovely!


Have you been in a situation like this? How did you handle it? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.


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Be happy & healthy,