Do you ever jump to conclusions about someone?
Maybe you'll hear someone talking at school or work about someone else. You get half the story. And then you fill-in-the-blanks with your assumptions and imagination.
Your thoughts go to a dark place that raises your blood pressure and stresses you out.
Even though we all tend to assume the worst many times, it doesn't have to be that way.
When you are faced with words on Facebook that cut into your heart, or your boss sends out a memo that rubs you the wrong way, or your spouse texts demanding words toward you, remember that your response determines your reach.
If you respond by assuming the worst, it will amplify things badly. This just creates unnecessary stress in your life.
However, if you respond with these two simple words, you'll cut your stress in half:
"I'm puzzled."
Saying that you are puzzled keeps you from jumping to conclusions.
"I'm puzzled" doesn't assume the worst; it hopes for the best. It builds a bridge for understanding. It tells the other person that you don't quite get where they're coming from and puts the ball in their court to explain further. These two simple words help eliminate miscommunication and stress.
"I'm puzzled" keeps your bloodpressure down while also responding in a way that honors God.
Don't jump to conclusions. Don't assume the worst. Just reply with, "I'm puzzled," and watch understanding take the place of stress.
