Pulling a monica

GRATEFUL GIRL'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Remember that one episode of "Friends" in the first season where Monica was making a lasagna dinner for her parents and Rachel (who was "helping") accidentally lost her engagement ring between the noodles? Monica was horrified because her Mom was always hyper-critical of everything she did. In fact, she belittled her daughter so often that she even referred to the act of making mistakes in general as "Pulling a Monica." 

Not wanting to risk her mother's reproach should she bite down on a diamond, Monica chucked the lasagna (well, actually, she let Joey eat it) and made a pot of spaghetti instead. Her mother's response to the dinner was, "Hmm. Spaghetti. That's ... easy." #harsh  We've all experienced it. At work, on the school board, at the home owners' association meeting, in the grocery store aisle, on the field, wherever. We've all had that one person (or maybe more than one) make us feel inferior, inept, unskilled, insecure ... afraid. #psychologicalbullies

It's incredible, really, how much power we allow others to have over our psyche. Here's the rub: "that person" may very well wield a certain amount of authority. He or she might be in charge of some segment of your life. But the good news is this: only you can permit him, her or anyone to make you feel any way at all. Don't give the other dwellers of the planet that much power over you ... put that kind of trust in the Big Guy alone.

Back here on earth with all the other humans, resolve to control your own emotional well-being. Mitigate disparaging, hurtful remarks by tempering them with dignified, even pleasant responses. And when someone accuses you of "Pulling a Monica" make sure you take the advice Phoebe gave her on "Friends": turn it upside down. Bounce back with positivism and reverse the connotation. It sure is hard to insult someone who is smiling, calm, rational and soft-spoken.

Plus, it will drive the insulter mad not to evoke a negative reaction. #perksofbeingpositive

​Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19 - R. (19b) A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me.  A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me. For you are not pleased with sacrifices; should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it. My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. Jl 2:12-13 - Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart for I am gracious and merciful.