The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Reyes is a little book with simple yet powerful points for becoming awake and aware spiritually. It begins with the premise that we have been "domesticated" or given guidelines by those around us in order to fit in.
"Just being ourselves is the biggest fear we have as humans...We end up feeling inauthentic because we try to put on a mask - so afraid that someone will realize we are not what we pretend to be."
2nd Agreement: Don't take anything personally
"Whatever happens around you, don't take it personally. If I see you on the street and say, 'Hey, you are so stupid,' without knowing you, it's not about you; it's about me. If you take it personally, then perhaps you believe you are stupid. Maybe you think to yourself, 'How does he know? Is he clairvoyant, or can everybody see how stupid I was."
(Don Miguel Reyes)
Listen as Mary Ellen shares thoughts on The Four Agreements , focusing on the 2nd Agreement: Don't take anything personally.
(P.S. this Includes not taking your cat/dog behavior personally.)
Note: If interested, the above referenced book is available from most booksellers and can be borrowed from your local library.