It's so easy to let life knock the me down. There are so many petty little things that nip at my heels every day, just waiting to get a good grip and pull me backwards and sink me into a funk. So many times in the past I'd let that happen and let it affect my mood without realizing that the impact these things have on me is really my choice.
Most of the annoyances that come our way are small. Once you have made your mind up not to let them bother you, they can just wash over the top and barely make a mark on your life. It's actually a good feeling when you reach a point when you can let stuff like that go and know that you beat it by not reacting to it. It's taken me a long time to reach this point, but it's a good place to be in.
There can be bigger things that come along in life to hurt you - the betrayal of a friend, the angry words of a family member that result in a feud that affects everyone, awful workmates, marital problems, angry people on the road or elsewhere who make you feel threatened. These can seem insurmountable at the time, but often distance and a clear head (and a good dose of maturity and self confidence) can make all the difference and put them into perspective. After a while, even the big things often become small things when you don't give them the time and attention that they crave.
Richard Carlson sums it up so well in his book "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" when he says that we can't be free from life's annoyances but we can free ourselves from being annoyed by them. A few years ago I would have doubted this, I let way too many things influence my feelings - but entering the second half of life has made me realize that time is short and it's not worth wasting emotional energy on people or events that drag me down. Life is much richer when you move on, take a deep breath and focus on the good things that come our way every day.
This post was part of the #1word challenge - this week's word was "breathe"
Truly it took me until 45 to learn all this. Until then I said it all the time. I did not realize I was merely getting it lipservice.
ReplyDeleteI loved the idea that we choose to be annoyed - that has taken me a long time to figure out!
DeleteI totally agree and as much as it pains me to say, Frozen's Elsa had it right, when she sang, "Let It Go!" ;)
ReplyDeleteYes Janine, that song resonates with me sometimes too (even though I am heartily sick of hearing it!)
DeleteI've got a bit better as I've grown older to not let the little things bug me. I think this would be a good time for me to go read "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff." Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteI agree Kim - as we get older we start to let more stuff wash over us - there has to be something good in this ageing process!
DeleteLove this post! I especially like the line, "After a while, even the big things often become small things when you don't give them the time and attention that they crave."
DeleteI so agree. Don't sweat the small stuff. And most importantly: It's ALL small stuff!
ReplyDeleteAs usual you are so right Diane - it's all small stuff in the grand scheme of things!
DeleteI think I stopped sweating the small stuff when my kids were young, and I've carried it with me and have tried to abide by that mantra as much as I can, as often as I can. Life is way too short! It's definitely easier to let it go now that I'm older. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carrie - I think it took me longer but I'm getting there!
DeleteGreat advice! I'm working on it. I don't let things bother me as much as I used to, but I still let things get under my skin more than I should sometimes.
ReplyDeleteit's amazing how the little things catch us off guard - especially if a few come at once!
DeleteHi Leanne I still sweat the small stuff sometimes but definitely not as much as I used to. That is one of the great things about turning 50 - you start to finally feel confident in yourself and can let things go more easily than when we are younger. #JoyHopeLife
ReplyDeleteI agree Sue - you start to realize that a lot of stuff is fairly small when you put it in perspective
DeleteSuch a wise post! This book "Don't sweat the small stuff" is one of the most cherished books I own. Whenever I feel down or lost I grab it. And you're right when you look at it from another perspective it's all small stuff not worth sweating about.
ReplyDeletexx
I haven't actually read the whole book - it's now on my to-do list for the near future because it's such an important thing to grasp!
DeleteOh, amen! amen! amen! I've seen that book, but I haven't read it. I will need to grab a copy someday soon. I found you over at #joyhopelive
ReplyDeleteme too Jessie - I haven't read the whole book either and now I plan to!
DeleteI didn't get that til I hit my 40s and became completely comfortable with who I am. Thanks for sharing with us at #JoyHopeLive!
ReplyDelete