Two people in the last week have told me that they woke up annoyed and are trying to find ways to get back on track with their lives. They are trying to figure out, “Why does everyone annoy me?”
A lot is going on in the world right now that can make anyone annoyed.
- Not being able to go out.
- Being home with kids and partners more than usual.
- Trying to keep track of what you can and cannot do.
- And what you can and cannot say.
- People yelling at each other about everything.
But, here’s the thing, only you are in charge of your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions—no one else.
No other person has permission to annoy you unless you let them. Don’t allow it.
Here’s how
Recognize you are annoyed – you know when that is. Your blood pressure rises, and your heart starts beating a little faster. Once you recognize it, take a deep breath.
Ask yourself why you are annoyed – is it really worth ruining your mood? Will it matter in the morning?
Take action – Ask the person to stop, ignore it, change the conversation, or walk away. You have the power to stop it from annoying you. Think of something you are grateful for.
Why are you annoyed in the first place?
“People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.” Isaac Asimov
There may be days you wake up, and you immediately get a text or email that sets you off, and then the rest of the day is ruined. Or, you stub your toe or spill your coffee, or your child or spouse yells at you. Those days will happen from time to time. Recognize what is happening and do something to calm your mind.
But if those days become a common occurrence, something else might be going on.
Do you have a “chip” on your shoulder?
Someone at some time may have done something to hurt you, and you can’t let it go. Now you think everyone wants to hurt you, so you are always on the defensive. It’s time to let that go. Forgive whoever hurt you and get on with your life. It is that easy. Just decide to let it go. That doesn’t mean you have to like the person, but you have spent enough time letting it affect your life.
Are you annoyed with your own life?
If you are not living the life you dream of, it can be very annoying to see others that are.
Are you struggling to be happy?
How to be happier right now
There is a way to turn your annoying attitude around. It’s learning how to be happier with your own life.
- Stop overthinking. Stop worrying about what could happen in the future. Be present and go with the flow.
- Do things you love because you want to.
- Write out your bucket list. Things you can do now and in the future. Start making them happen.
- Keep a gratitude list. Writing down 3 things you are grateful for each day can change your annoyance immediately.
- Protect your energy. Stay away from people who bring you down. Don’t get in conversations with people who want to argue.
- Set your boundaries. “Boundaries create a healthy separation (physical and emotional) between you and others. Boundaries allow you to have your own personal space and privacy, your own feelings, thoughts, needs, and ideas. They allow you to be yourself rather than an extension of someone else or who someone else wants you to be.” For more on boundaries, read this post on Psych Central.
- Take care of yourself. Exercise, eat well, get plenty of sleep and meditate or journal.
- Make a point to be kind to someone every day. Smile more.
- Be kind to yourself. Say nice things to yourself.
Living a happier, more fulfilled life is within reach. And when you have that, you don’t have to let anyone else annoy you or bother you. You are too busy doing what you love!
Related Post: 6 Reasons Why People Don’t Like You and How Not to Care
So maybe the answer to the question, “Why does everyone annoy me?” is because you aren’t happy with yourself.
Life is too short to worry about what others are doing. Make the most of this life you have.
“If it comes, let it come. If it goes, it’s ok; let it go. Let things come and go. Stay calm, don’t let anything disturb your peace, and carry on.” Germany Kent
“The day she let go of the things that were weighing her down was the day she began to shine the brightest.” Katrina Mayer
For more ways to love your own life, check out The 5 L’s of Living Marvelously eBook. It might get your mind off of those annoying people for a while 🙂
The 5 L's of Living Marvelously Book