Discussion Topic
Don't Sweat The Small Stuff
Posted on 12/23/08, 09:06 pm
Often we allow ourselves to get all worked up about things that, upon closer examination, aren't really that big deal. We focus on little problems and concerns and blow them way out of proportion.
A stranger, for example, might cut in front of us in traffic. Rather than let go, and go on with our day, we convince ourselves we are justified in our anger. We play out an imaginary confrontation in our mind. Many of us might even tell someone else about the incident later on rather than simply let it go. Why not simply allow the driver to have his accident somewhere else? Try to have compassion for the person and remember how painful it is to be in such an enormous hurry. This way we can maintain our own sense of well-being and avoid taking other people's problems personally. There are similar, "small stuff" examples that occur everyday in our lives. Whether we had to wait in line, listen to unfair criticism, or do the lion's share of the work, it pays enormous dividends if we learn not to worry about little things. So many people spend so much of their life energy "sweating the small stuff", that they completely lose touch with the magic and beauty of life. When you commit to working toward this goal you will find that uou will have far more energy to be kinder and gentler.
A stranger, for example, might cut in front of us in traffic. Rather than let go, and go on with our day, we convince ourselves we are justified in our anger. We play out an imaginary confrontation in our mind. Many of us might even tell someone else about the incident later on rather than simply let it go. Why not simply allow the driver to have his accident somewhere else? Try to have compassion for the person and remember how painful it is to be in such an enormous hurry. This way we can maintain our own sense of well-being and avoid taking other people's problems personally. There are similar, "small stuff" examples that occur everyday in our lives. Whether we had to wait in line, listen to unfair criticism, or do the lion's share of the work, it pays enormous dividends if we learn not to worry about little things. So many people spend so much of their life energy "sweating the small stuff", that they completely lose touch with the magic and beauty of life. When you commit to working toward this goal you will find that uou will have far more energy to be kinder and gentler.
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Reply #1 12/23/08 10:10pm
We never know that we have tomorrow.We should all slow down and live each day of our lives to the fullest.Tell the people around you what they mean to you and cherish your friendships...and do it today! -
Reply #2 12/24/08 12:42am
I agree, and I think that is one reason I wanted to start this group. We aren't promised tomorrow, and if we keep wasting our energy & time on the small stuff; we don't want it to end up being too late to focus our time on what is truly important.
I lost my grandma a long time ago, because of a disagreement we had. Instead of showing her any respect; I was pretty much "sweating the small stuff," and it ended up being too late to apologize to her, and tell her how much I love her, because she was hit by a car, and died before I got that chance. I have to live with that for the rest of my life, and I don't want someone else to have to go through the pain, and shame that I did.
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Reply #3 02/01/09 7:41pm
SO TRUE. -
Reply #4 05/03/09 9:29pm
Sugarkay, do you know that the late Richard Carlson stole your post and used it in his book & CDs? What an honor.
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