How to Overcome Being Mistreated

Do you consider yourself a nice person? If so, you could be a prime target for mistreatment. Hard to believe anyone could blame or attack a kindhearted person, but for some individuals or groups, you're their bullseye. Keep in mind, any good person is vulnerable.

Recently, I learned a few lessons after overcoming an attack. It's surprising how one dysfunctional person can cause a domino effect in the lives and minds of others. People who you thought had better sense end up forfeiting their God-given intellect to support wrongful doing. This seemly unfortunate circumstance has allowed me to realize my own strength and re-evaluate what's most important... Maybe this lesson could help you, too.

Here are five tips for overcoming mistreatment:

1) Do right - It's not always easy, in fact, doing the right thing can be downright painful. Just because you live with integrity doesn't mean you will be appreciated for it. Doing right could actually make you a target... still, do right anyway. Continue living your life with truth and grace. There will always be injustice, just make sure it's not from you.

2) Respect yourself - There comes a time when you must look reality in the face. Decide that you will be treated with respect. Maya Angelou said," we teach people how to treat us". Do not allow others to harm you.

3) Protect yourself - Once you realize the aching truth, you must guard yourself at all costs. Cutting ties may be tough, but required. If someone is unwilling to respect you or your boundaries they are dangerous. Holding people accountable may be hard, but necessary. If you don't protect yourself, who will?

4) Build happiness - Use your pain to create pleasure. Discover the way you want to live and make it happen. Do your best to surround yourself with trustworthy and respectful people. We can't change the past, but we can form our future. What steps can you take today that will help you lead the life you truly desire?

5) Forgive - Be mindful, forgiveness doesn't mean acceptance. Wrong is wrong no matter how you slice it! After all, most people that harm you aren't sorry. Understand, forgiveness is about you and your peace of mind - it's certainly not welcoming the mistreatment or even the person back into your life. Love yourself and those around you enough to release the pain by forgiving and moving on.

Life is rarely easy, even if you've got it good. People who cater to the welfare of others can find themselves being treated poorly and taken advantage of. It's important not to take it personally. By doing right, respecting yourself, protecting yourself, creating happiness and letting go of the burden by forgiving, we can actually turn sadness into sanctuary.

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