While this is not as hard as I thought it would be, it is not as easy I was hoping it would be.
Earlier this morning, I sat down to write a post that I can schedule to go up at midnight tonight. I was inspired by an argument discussion I had with my wife/roommate. It was about how you view things. To say that we see things differently would be a gross injustice to our differences. In reality, we stand on the opposite ends of the spectrum on most issues. I am surprised that we haven’t killed each other over the last 23 years. (who says miracles don’t happen?)
As I sat at my desk, trying to center myself so I can go on with the day’s activities, I wished there was a way I could communicate to her the strength of my position, it dawned on me that it had nothing to do with her, and everything to do with me not taking full advantage of an opportunity to learn and grow. The fact that I keep having the same arguments with her was a proof that I am not learning the lesson being presented to me.
So, I took a deep breath and asked myself, “Okay, so what is it that I am not getting here?” (I have learned that in order to get the right answer, you must ask the right question)
What I learned was something specific and something general. The specific had to do with having to release a faulty premise I’ve had due to cultural programming about money and happiness, and now that I am aware of it, the releasing process will be easy as long as I keep it in my awareness and don’t fall back into the old thinking. But the important lesson was more of a general observation, and here it is:
Your circumstances are simply mirroring back to you your inner thoughts. You are pleased and joyous when your strengths are being reflected. But when your weaknesses are being reflected, you become frustrated and unhappy.
This has been the gem of gift for me today.
I got distracted with the daily going ons, calls from the insurance adjuster, trying to find a replacement car and what not, and never got to write the post. So, here I am, doing something that I would have been too lazy to do just a week ago; Keeping my word to myself and to you.
It’s not that hard, and considering I am feeling pretty good about myself, I think I have just discovered a strength of mine that I wasn’t aware of.
So let me ask you this. What in your circumstances makes you feel good and what frustrates you? What does that tell you about yourself? Use the comments below to share. I know it will take some courage to share it with everyone.
Well, are you feeling courageous?
For the past years of my life I have been trying hard to live in awareness. In my everyday effort to live consciously, I feel good when I catch my instincts trying to influence my response. Being able to do this I felt achievement. However, I get frustrated when I’m unable to control myself.
Walter,
So awesome to hear from you.
I was just having an online conversation with a friend, and I said, “Feelings are indicators of whether or not we are on the right track.” You know when you are off by your feelings of frustrations.
I have learned to recognize my feelings of frustration and then release it with gratitude for bringing to my attention the fact that I was off. Te next time I am able to recognize the feeling better, before it turns into frustration.
Rasheed