Recently, I was reminded of a profound concept. Through living, each person encounters various experiences, struggles, disappointments, and opportunities. When these events are encountered, choice becomes the operative mechanism that guides many decisions. Over the course of a person’s life, these decisions can result in choices that I may not value, appreciate, or for that matter even like.
At these times, I can chose to become indignant and judgmental toward those individuals. When and if I decide to engage in these condescending attitudes, negative energy seems to invade my quality of living. As I focus on their choices, I lose perspective. My objective shifts from keeping the focus on me, to trying to change them. When I engage in such limiting behaviors, I lose me. My ability to make healthy choices diminishes proportionately to the effort I put forth in attempting to force solutions.
Conversely, if I make the decision to let people live in their decisions — without trying to change them — I am set free from that negative energy. As I let go, my ability to make healthy choices increases proportionally. Acceptance empowers me to live in the now. As I chose to keep the focus on myself, I am empowered by my choices. Living then becomes a journey, instead of a struggle through trying to change other people.
Viola Jaynes says
Craig, another very excellent post!