Do you feel it?  Summer is on the horizon, and accordingly, the winds of change are ushering in all manner of challenging behaviors.  We expect this when dealing with kids, as their developing brains are still learning how to cope with change. Adults, however, have moved past the learning stage and are into the life-choice habit stage of behaving.

Unfortunately, when some adults are confronted with change and accompanying frustration, they routinely move into grumble-grumble-complain mode.  For these individuals, the glass is perpetually half-empty.  The problem with this mindset is that it can be a very stagnant place to reside, as it doesn’t help move us to a better place.  (On this note – I am not talking about occasional venting, which can be healthy when done in a purposeful and short-lived manner.)

We don’t have to confront people when they grumble regularly, but we also don’t have to stick around to give the grumblies an audience.  Attention magnifies behavior.  So, the less attention you provide, the less the tornado of emotions will spread and the less likely you will be to get caught up in the behavioral winds. 

Transitions are hard enough to work through on an internal level.  We don’t need the behavior of others stirring things up and contributing to our concerns.  So, around this hectic time of year, be intentional about your interactions with others.  It’s probably the best advice I can offer you as we head into the summer months.