Offenses are like unexpected potholes on the road of life. If you hit them without preparation, the shock can throw you off balance, leave you bruised, or even damage your spirit. But when you cultivate inner shock absorbers which are qualities like patience, forgiveness, self-awareness, humility and a good sense of humour, the impact changes. Instead of feeling shattered by harsh words, unjust treatment, or careless actions, you learn to bend without breaking, to absorb the strike and let it pass through you rather than remain within you. These shock absorbers don’t make the road smoother; they make you steadier, more resilient, more capable of keeping your direction despite the bumps. And the more you strengthen them, the freer you become, because no offense, no matter how sharp or deliberate, can rob you of your peace unless you give it permission. In this way, every offense becomes less a wound and more a test that reveals the quiet strength you already carry.
Don Giorgio