Maya Angelou.... Do the best you can.

I can relate to this thought lately. If I think about it, everyone is really doing the best that they can with the information they have. Delving a little deeper, it is not only the information I have but the mental, spiritual and emotional place I inhabit that determines my best at the time. When there is change in any of those areas, the choices you or I make may be different depending upon growth or lack thereof. If I am frustrated with someone or something, it helps me to remember that just as I am doing the best I am capable of doing at the time, so is everyone else. Maybe that is what is meant by "Judge Not." Tolerance and compassion flow more freely also. As a bonus, it is never wrong to apologize for something I've done in a less "knowledgeable" state of mind. Enjoy your day!

Accept What Is

I have to admit I get really tired of the phrase "It is what it is." While that may be true, it can be annoying at times. Just because it "IS" doesn't mean I have to like it. In fact, "It" doesn't care what my feelings are. If I take the time to contemplate why I'm unhappy with a situation, I usually find that it is not the situation that is bothersome, it is my thoughts about it that are upsetting me.

An example of how my thoughts can manipulate my feelings might go like this: It is raining outside. If I have just planted an Oak tree, I am delighted with Nature's help. If I have planned an outdoor birthday party for 20 six year olds,  I am not excited about the rain. Clearly it is not the rain that is the problem or the solution, it is my thoughts about the rain.

Part of "accepting what is"for me is to just acknowledge it without assigning a judgement.  (As in the rain.) When I'm able to do this, I free my mind to find a solution if one is needed because I'm dealing in fact instead of emotion. I recognize that this may be easier to do with some things than with others but it is a good starting point. Letting go of "what was or even what could have been" is also crucial. If I am holding on to something I leave no room for "what will be." In my experience, the "What Will Be" is full of unlimited potential! Enjoy your day!