For the last few days, I was out of schedule, out of focus, out of order, out of discipline etc. etc. I lose sense of control of my life, even when a little bit of chaos enters my life. Well, the definition of chaos differs from one person to another. What I have tried to learn and understand is, how to make this chaotic period an opportunity for self-growth.
Yes, I didn’t call and talk to my parents enough, I didn’t connect with my friends enough, I didn’t call back a few of the missed calls, I fell short of my schedules and commitments but I did take care of my daughters needs and I did go to work and gave my best . What I recognized is we often concentrate on what we did not do rather than what we did.
During this time, if I wanted to get out of the downward spiral of feeling bad about myself, it was by appreciating those tiniest of routine chores which I didn’t miss. I didn’t miss preparing my daughter’s favorite breakfast, I didn’t miss sipping my tea mindfully and connecting with myself, I didn’t miss reaching work right on time. To get our brain to think afresh, don’t we need to cheer it up, by giving it a little bit of appreciation?
Getting into the victim mode has never helped me, though it feels good sympathizing about how things didn’t turn out well because of something or someone or our own shortcomings. Fighting the negative is a total waste of time. We have been criticizing ourselves for years, and it hasn’t worked. Let’s try approving of ourselves and see what happens. The following lines written by Ralph Waldo Emerson are true to core, “Every day is a mixture of good and evil — no day is completely 100% ‘good’. There are elements in the world and in our personal lives at all times, that ‘justify’ either a pessimistic outlook, or an optimistic outlook, depending on our choice. It is largely a matter of selection, attention and decision. It is a matter of what we choose to give primary attention to — and what thoughts we hold in the mind.”
With full appreciation, count your blessings no matter how small they might seem. Gratitude and unconditional self-love are the best gifts that you could ever give to your inner-self.