From Upset To Ecstatic
Is anything bothering you – right now?
Are you uptight about any event, thing, or individual — who has caused you grief?
For most of us, the answer is, “Oh, let me count the ways!”
Yet — there is a secret to calming ourselves.
For the sake of conversation, pick an item, above. Odds are good that, if it’s:
1) an Event, you’re replaying the video in your mind of some action, or inaction, that might have gone better.
2) a Thing, you’re reminded of the expression, “We don’t own things — things own us.”
3) an Individual, you’re either plotting revenge — or impatient for Karma to deliver their just desserts.
In other words, we feel trapped in a world beyond our choosing.
But… what if, I can guarantee to change that feeling — immediately?
The Secret
Radical Acceptance
That’s right — simply, unconditionally, accept what is – iiWii – It Is What It Is.
That event you’re replaying over and over in your mind. Stop it! Wrap your mind around this, “Forgiveness is letting go of the notion that there can be a different, or better, yesterday.” The event is done, over, and in the Past — where it belongs. Move forward into the Present and set your mind on a dream of the Future.
That thing you’re obsessing about. Fix it, give it to someone less fortunate, or be as happy with it as the day you bought it. And, if none of that works, absorb the lesson of, “Beware the impulse shopping purchase and sleep on any major decision requiring resources of time and money.”
That individual you’re imagining in Hades. Let them go. They have made their choices — now, make yours. Decide that you can’t fix Stupid. Take back the power you have given them over your Thoughts. Change their role in your life and think this, “When I give, I’m all in — but, when I’m done there’s no looking back.”
Forgoing All Others
There is something magical about making a choice. Notice the adjective “a” — singular. While there are multiple options, we are stressed — uncertain about which one to choose. At the moment we pick one, we forgo all other choices.
Again, it’s radical acceptance of that one option.
Doesn’t it feel good?
It is our Independence Day.
We have found freedom from the outside influence of anything or anybody.