Thoughts on True Power

"Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power."
-- Lao Tzu

This quote sums up what I'm trying to do. To master myself. That is all that I am capable of changing directly; so I'm leaving others to take care of what is on their own plate, while I take care of what is on mine.

Does this mean that I don't care about or do for others? No. It just means that I step back, and take a good look at what is going on (as best as I can see it).

To do for others what they are not willing to do for themselves, is not compassion, it is enabling.

To allow others to do for you what you are not willing to do for yourself, leads to dependence.

To master oneself is something that will take a lifetime, because just when you think that you have one thing under control, something else will come up that needs work in your life. The good news is, that you are always learning something new about yourself :-)!

Thoughts on True Power

Is There A Reason To Be Stressed?

"We should try never to let our happy frame of mind be disturbed. Whether we are suffering at present or have suffered in the past, there is no reason to be unhappy. If we can remedy it, why be unhappy? And if we cannot, what use is there being depressed about it? That just adds unhappiness and does no good at all."
-- Dalai Lama

The above quote has been bouncing around in my head for the past several weeks... it seems that the old Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times", is infesting lots of peoples' lives these days. Including mine. But, even though I sometimes feel overwhelmed, the feeling doesn't stay long.

Why?

Because my mind keeps floating back to that quote. If you can do something about the issue, do it, and let it go. If you don't know what to do, get advice, make a decision, do what you can, and let it go. If there's nothing that you can do, LET IT GO! Stop worrying it to death, stop letting it keep you awake at night, stop letting it steal your joy in living. One way or another, it will resolve itself. You may have to do something later, but for now, let it go. Don't wallow in fear.

When I forget this, my mind runs in circles, and my stomach develops a knot that spins like a gyroscope. But eventually (some times sooner, some times later), I realize that I am either doing what I can, or I can't do anything about the situation... and I need to let it go and stop trying to control everything (still working on my control issues [smile]).

The result?

I'm able to smile again. A genuine smile, not that strained 'I'm baring my teeth so people will think that I'm doing okay' smile. And, my inside feelings match my outside expression. I'm not stressed. I can focus fully when I'm taking care of business, and when I'm sleeping, I go to sleep, and stay asleep.

Is There A Reason To Be Stressed?