Sunday, January 31, 2010

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (Simple Way #3)


**************Everything within the quotation marks is from the book pictured here.
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"Simple way #3: Let Go of the Idea that Gentle, Relaxed People Can't be Superachievers.
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One of the major reasons so many of us remain hurried, frightened, and competitive, and continue to live life as if it were one giant emergency, is our fear that if we were to become more peaceful and loving, we would suddenly stop achieving our goals. We would become lazy and apathetic.
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You can put this fear to rest by realizing that the opposite is actually true. Fearful, frantic thinking takes an enormous amount of energy and drains the creativity and motivation from our lives. When you are fearful or frantic, you literally immobilize yourself from your greatest potential, not to mention enjoyment. Any success that you do have is despite your fear, not because of it.
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I have had the good fortune to surround myself with some very relaxed, peaceful, and loving people. Some of these people are best-selling authors, loving parents, counselors, computer experts, and chief executive officers. All of them are fulfilled in what they do and are very proficient at their given skills.
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I have learned the important lesson: When you have what you want (inner peace), you are less distracted by your wants, needs, desires, and concerns. It's thus easier to concentrate, focus, achieve your goals, and to give back to others."
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Shaddy speaks: For me NOT to be hurried, fearful, competitive, frantic (all of these lurking stealthily under my calm demeanor) is nearly unimaginable. Whenever I catch myself entangled in these emotions, I try to calm myself. Often, the peace remains with me for maybe a minute or two before I grip up again.
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Being uptight is natural for me. I'm always looking at the clock, defying time to advance. Why is that? Because I feel compelled to be doing something all of the time.
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I think my tendency is genetic. I think I could change into a more relaxed person, if I really wanted to. I know that I should slow down for health related reasons, but, I'm so used to the feeling of being energized by rushing that I'm somewhat addicted to it.
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How about you? Are you naturally hyped up or mellow?

11 comments:

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

I agree, must always be surrounded by loving people, those who continue to bless rather than curse...I need this more than ever Shaddy!
Wishing you a lovely new week!!
xo*

Gullible said...

Shaddy, sit quietly with your eyes closed and commune with your muse. That way, you are doing something terribly important, and teaching yourself to relax at the same time. Unless, of course, your muse should decide to commune with you at 2 a.m.

Natasha said...

Have you ever tried mindfulness meditation? It's worth looking into for a whole host of reasons.

Anonymous said...

I bounce all around like a ping pong ball in a movie house popcorn machine. Some days I manage to relax and then others I'm all over the place rushing around to get things done.

Cheryl Peters said...

Lenore: Your blog is a great place to go for encouragement, isn't it.

Gully: Sounds good but goes against my grain!

Natasha: As close as I get to that would be my Saturday morning yoga class.

darksculptures: When I've worn myself out, then I slow down. Perhaps that's why I intentionally exercise so much.

Anonymous said...

I bet you have a really clean house-heh heh heh.
Maybe you should come live with me for a while. I could teach you to relax. I'm definitely mellow.

Cheryl Peters said...

dayner: Our house is very clean but that's due to my husband's hyperness, not so much mine. I vacuum but he does the rest. I love him for it and appreciate it a whole bunch!!

Dee said...

I am mellow. My art helps keep me calm.

Cheryl Peters said...

Dee: That's great! What a wonderful outlet!

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

Darling Shaddy,
Thank you for your kind words...I'm so grateful for our friendship!
xo as always*

Lia said...

I'm about to completely confuse you now.
You see I alternate between the two states.
I'm either mellow and laid back about what is going on around me or I am hyped up and doing 20 things at once. And I never know which one I will be often from moment to moment, which as you can imagine can be confusing to those around me.
It also explains the madness that is me in general.
Much love
Lia
xx