Bridget, a caregiver, shares a story about being called an idiot and how ruminating on the insult gave it power over her happiness. She argues that the moment you stop internalizing it, you keep your emotional freedom and don't let others dictate your inner state.
Hiya, it's Bridget, back with another Corona Jack and Norrie. A very short one tonight. I haven't had much time today. I've had to make my husband's dinner. He's a key worker, and he's done a twelve-hour shift. So really, I had no excuse being home all day. So I had to do that. I had to do lots of other things, and I just didn't get enough time. I'm now in my pajamas. And I've got a wee short story for you. I hope you like it. Okay. It's called The Idiot. Someone calls you an idiot. Then you start thinking, how can they call me an idiot? They've got no right to call me an idiot. How rude to call me an idiot. I'll get them back for calling me an idiot. And you suddenly realize that you have just let them call you an idiot. Another 4 times. Every time you remember what they said, you allow them to call you an idiot again. Therein lies the problem. If someone calls you an idiot and you immediately let it go, then it doesn't bother you. There is a solution. Why allow other people to control your inner happiness?
