The other day I was in a charity shop searching for a particular book. Although I didn’t manage to find the book I wanted, I came across another book a friend had recommended years ago. The book is called Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff ….. (and it’s all Small Stuff) by Richard Carlson. I figured there was a reason why I’d found this book, so I decided to buy it.
One of the things I sometimes hear myself thinking is, “I don’t have is enough time”. I even go as far as imagining that if I had more time, my life could be ‘perfect’. This is a common complaint, but the reality is, we all have the same 24 hours, it’s what we choose to do with it, and how we choose to relate to it that matters. When we are present to each moment in time, anything we are doing or experiencing can be fulfilling, and have us feel truly alive. Even being present to our pain, or someone else’s, may provide peace, love and connection.
One of things I love about the book is the fact that each chapter is only a page or so long, and no matter what I am doing, I can always find a couple of minutes to read a chapter a day.
This morning I read chapter 2 – Make Peace with Imperfection. I’d like to share part of it with you……
‘Whether it’s related to ourselves – a disorganized closet, a scratch on the car, an imperfect accomplishment, a few pounds we would like to lose – or someone else’s “imperfections” – the way someone looks, behaves or lives their life – the very act of focusing on imperfection pulls us away from our goal of being kind and gentle. The strategy has nothing to do with ceasing to do our very best but with being overly attached and focused on what’s wrong with life. It’s about realizing that while there’s always a better way to do something, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy and appreciate the way things already are.’ Richard Carlson
Appreciating life is a sure way of attracting more positive stuff towards you (which means more things to be grateful for). How cool is that? All you need to do is practice thinking about the things you like. If you don’t like something, at least accept that you don’t like it, that way you are not resisting it. When you can allow things to ‘be’, you can flow with life no matter what’s going on.
Acceptance is not about liking something. It’s okay not to like something; just acknowledge it and watch your experience of the thing you didn’t like, transform. You’ll feel much more peaceful.
So, whether it’s making peace with your perceived ‘lack of time’, your body, or World hunger, accept what is, and then look at how you can work with it to transform it.
Do let me know your thoughts and please leave a comment. Speak soon…..