Why is letting go of yesterday so hard? Why do we feel pulled into the past as if lingering there mentally will allow us to prolong it? And why would we want to prolong it? The days pass ne’er to return. And depending on how much emotion and energy we experience in them, we may …
Tag: acceptance
You always lose the blame game, so practice personal responsibility instead
When someone or something puts us out and creates problems for us, our initial response might be to blame the person, event, or thing we view as the obvious culprit. We focus on that person, event, or thing, give it all our anger, call it names, and we might carry our emotional response with us …
Think Back, Move Forward
We talk a lot about living in the present moment because the past is gone and the future isn’t here yet. Of course, thinking back on past mistakes and successes helps you make better decisions in the present and propel you toward a better future. But how far back should you think? Are memories from …
The Power of Abstinence
Life is about enjoyment, but it’s good to practice acceptance through abstinence. When we abstain, we make a conscious choice not to have, say, or do something. And we have to work through the consequences of that choice, which is when we truly learn and grow. Abstinence doesn’t have to be dramatic, though. It doesn’t …
Embracing the New
To live is to be in an ongoing state of change. Nothing is ever the same. Nothing is static. Everything is moving. Everything is in flux. We can hold on to the familiar for a little while, especially if it aligns with our life path. But at some point, we’ll have to let it go …
Self-serving Expectations
It’s not good to expect others to fill up your cup or fix all your problems. It’s not good to blame others for not doing what you wish they’d do. Especially if you’re expecting them to read your mind or pick up on subtle hints. Now, it’s okay to expect respect from others. And if …
Life Is More Than Survival
Life isn’t about surviving or extending the number of years we can live. No matter how long our lives or how resilient we are, death is still our fate. But it doesn’t make sense for life to be about suffering either. Experiencing and working through suffering, sure, but not merely for suffering’s sake. There’s gotta …
Might as Well Enjoy
We’re going to get to the end no matter what thoughts we think, words we say, or decisions we make. We’re going to face the end of the chores, the projects, the tough times, the good times. We’re going to face the end of our lives. So, why go through it all frazzled and stressed? …
Most of the Time
The purpose of our lives is not to achieve perfection. And it’s arguable that life is inherently perfect or that everything about our lives is already part of a perfect whole. Regardless, it’s just not necessary to strive for perfection all of the time. Maybe some pivotal moments require a flawless performance. Maybe some critical opportunities …
You Are What You Judge
Do you know that your judgment of others is a reflection of you? And how you feel about yourself? It rarely has anything to do with the people you’re judging. See, judgment is a defense mechanism that helps us justify our lives and maintain a sense of control. But control is something we seek when …