The harsh tone, the unkind word, the apparent indifference of another is usually over in a few minutes. What price am I paying by holding on to those few minutes? I don’t have to like reality, only to accept it for what it is. This day is too precious to waste by resenting things I can’t change. When I accept everything as it is, I tend to be reasonably serene. When I spend my time wishing things were different, I know that serenity has lost its priority.
Today’s Reminder:
While I AM responsible for changing what I can, I have to let go of the rest if I want peace of mind. Just for today I will love myself enough to give up a struggle over something that is out of my hands.
“By yielding you may obtain victory.” Ovid
Excerpt from: Courage To Change, pg. 129
In everyday life whether it be a stranger or someone close to you unkind and harsh words may fly. The words that come out of someone else’s mouth are not my responsibility, but theirs, what is my responsibility is the way I choose to respond. Sometimes responding is the right thing. Sometimes not responding is the right thing. This is where the Serenity Prayer always fits. We can pray for the wisdom to know the difference. In those moments that there is quiet, may I be quiet and still and listen for that wisdom. Sometimes quiet is the wisdom it takes to yield. ~Adrienne
Coupled with the words that were SAID are the words that were NOT SAID and still whirl around in my mind. Thanks for this great reminder, Adrienne! I think I’ll take it with me today.