Richard Carlson's book, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, offers 100 simple ways to keep the little things from taking over our lives. The following quote is simple way #1:
"Often we allow ourselves to get all worked up about things that, upon closer examination, aren't really that big a deal. We focus on little problems and concerns and blow them way out of proportion. A stranger, for example, might cut in front of us in traffic. Rather than let it go, and go on with our day, we convince ourselves that we are justified in our anger. We play out an imaginary confrontation in our mind. Many of us might even tell someone else about the incident later on rather than simply let it go.
Why not instead simply allow the driver to have his accident somewhere else? Try to have compassion for the person and remember how painful it is to be in such an enormous hurry. This way, we can maintain our own sense of well-being and avoid taking other people's problems personally.
There are many similar, "small stuff" examples that occur every day in our lives. Whether we had to wait in line, listen to unfair criticism, or do the lion's share of the work, it pays enormous dividends if we learn not to worry about little things. so many people spend so much of their life energy "sweating the small stuff" that they completely lose touch with the magic and beauty of life. When you commit to working toward this goal you will find that you will have far more energy to be kinder and gentler."
"Often we allow ourselves to get all worked up about things that, upon closer examination, aren't really that big a deal. We focus on little problems and concerns and blow them way out of proportion. A stranger, for example, might cut in front of us in traffic. Rather than let it go, and go on with our day, we convince ourselves that we are justified in our anger. We play out an imaginary confrontation in our mind. Many of us might even tell someone else about the incident later on rather than simply let it go.
Why not instead simply allow the driver to have his accident somewhere else? Try to have compassion for the person and remember how painful it is to be in such an enormous hurry. This way, we can maintain our own sense of well-being and avoid taking other people's problems personally.
There are many similar, "small stuff" examples that occur every day in our lives. Whether we had to wait in line, listen to unfair criticism, or do the lion's share of the work, it pays enormous dividends if we learn not to worry about little things. so many people spend so much of their life energy "sweating the small stuff" that they completely lose touch with the magic and beauty of life. When you commit to working toward this goal you will find that you will have far more energy to be kinder and gentler."
12 comments:
You are a wise woman! My husband always says, "Let it go!"
Thanks for sharing a peice of this book. I think I will be adding this one to my library. Is it possible to recondition your personality after forty? I sure hope so. I would love to learn to "Let it go."
Thanks for the reminder Shaddy... I'll try my very best! Great new week dear friend~
darksculptures: (Me, a wise woman? Thank you, but I don't think so.)
I believe it's always possible to change our personalities. It's definitely not easy; how well I know! If we make a conscious effort and constantly remind ourselves, I believe we can at least make some progress in learning to "Let it go."
Trust me, I'm not one who finds it easy to let things go. Yet, I think I'm better than I used to be because I'm aware of the harm of holding on.
Best wishes as you go forward.
Lenore: The greatest motivation for trying to reshape our reactions is that we're helping ourselves and making ourselves happier by letting the little bothersome things go.
May your week be the best!
You have posted my motto in life. I agree 100% and hopefully not sweating the small stuff will help all of us live a longer, healthier, and happier life.
What a great book! Thanks for sharing, we all need a reminder sometimes.
Another great one is "Don't stress over things you can't change."
For me the whole idea of not stressing about the little things has got easier with age.
All the ups and downs of rearing the brood alone has taught me that.
Sometimes the older 2 say that the youngest child gets to do things that there were not allowed to do....I don't tell them that it's because I eventually I let them do it and they didn't break lol.
But in general, I find it easier to let the small things go and I can't help thinking it's come with age and maturity.
Much love
Lia
xx
Thanks for the good reminder, my friend.... I spent a leetle too much of today stressing over something that, in the greater scheme of things, is peanuts.
AUNTIE can relate to this, and I am going to try and stop worrying about things that are never as bad as we make them.
Man, Richard must have been riding with me today. I'm checking my backseat from now on.
dayner: A longer, healthier and happier future sounds like something worth the effort.
Lia: I've learned quite a bit from past experience too.
Natasha: We can all use reminders; human nature often takes us down the wrong path.
Auntie: The peace we experience when we stop worrying is so sweet. I hope you find yourself enjoying many moments of carefree living.
Walk: I'd invite him to sit in the front seat if I could.
I told my daughter I wanted this book for Christmas. Maybe I'll find it in my stocking. (fingers crossed)
darksculptures: If not, I plan to continue posting "simple ways" on my blog from time to time.
Yeesh ... I can see I need to get a copy of this book. I let the small stuff get to me far too often. Thanks for sharing Shaddy!
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