Friday, July 30, 2010

1. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

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.

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