DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF

PART TWO:

In a frustrating circumstance, imagine that whatever you’re dealing with isn’t happening one year from now. A year from now it will be an irrelevant detail in your life. Trying to deal with frustrating circumstances with more patience won’t solve the problem, but it will give you a needed perspective on the situation. Life isn’t always fair and we have to live with it. It keeps us from being sorry for ourselves.

Stress is a big factor in our everyday lives. So we must learn to lower our tolerance to stress. Learn to relax, take a few deep breaths or take a short walk. It will help you get things back under control. When the stress level is low, it’s manageable, but when it gets bigger, it’s more difficult to control. Don’t worry. It will all get done. Just take it one step at a time. Life is not an emergency, so don’t create your own problems.

I saw a poster once that said “life is a test, it’s only a test.” I figured that if it was real, someone would have told us where to go and what to do. Think of it as a bit of humorous wisdom and don’t take life so seriously.. Look at life as many challenges or a series of tests. Then each issue you face gives you an opportunity to learn, grow and roll with the punches.

Sometimes we have to deal with the disapproval of others. We can’t please all the people all the time. The sooner we accept that we can’t win the approval of everyone, the easier life will be. Get a perspective on life’s journey by realizing that you will have your share of disapproval and disappointments. Life still has its rewards.

I’ve had several personal rewards lately. I’ve had the satisfaction of a happy friend who enjoyed her favorite Sundae, on a Saturday; seen the smile on the face of a good friend when she gets fresh flowers, which she loves so much; and just doing those little chores on the computer that come natural to me.