Each of us, in life, walks on the special path that the soul is destined to undertake. Our journeys are very different and we progress at different rates. The pitfalls and blessings we encounter are unique, yet we are all learning and no one form of knowledge is more important than any other. Even so, when we observe others, it can be easy to pass judgment on their decisions and to assume their actions will correspond with what we feel is right. But for every problem, there are a multitude of solutions. Everyone makes mistakes and, while watching others do so can be frustrating, it is important that you accept each person's unique way of doing things. Giving others the freedom to act in the way they feel are best without the fear of harsh judgments honors the capacity for growth that all people possess.
It is helpful to practice accepting others as they are. Never judge the decisions of others based on the path you would have taken because every person lives by different values and experiences. Challenge is a universal concept, but we all deal with difficulties in our own way. Give others the space to fail, but don't harden your heart against their experience. It isn't wise to try and fix people or control situations. You may feel compelled to intervene when difficulties arise, but it is important only to offer guidance when asked unless the person is involved in a truly dangerous situation or cannot act for themselves. Failure to choose the right path or to make enlightened decisions is simply another step on the journey. It is a means to experience and wisdom. Letting go of the need to influence others does not discount offering loving support and it does not mean that you need to stop caring. It does mean stepping back, dissolving judgment, and gracefully allowing others to live their own destinies.
Giving others the freedom to blossom in their own journeys gives you the freedom to take more notice of your own. You may not condone the actions you see taking place, but your reactions will be more loving by letting them be. And you will be able to focus on just being yourself, confident that the path you take is as right, valid, and special as any other.
DailyOm.com
__________________
"Never argue with an idiot... They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience..."
I am always working on this one ! it is the silly little things i have to watch, only this morning i was preparing for breakfast i got out the bowls and plates and my husband ( who was ready early ) began to cut the fruit and put it into the bowls i use the plates for fruit and the bowls for cereal however he was helping and instead of pointing this out i decided to do a bit of ironing and he fetched more bowls for the cereal and all was well How ridiculous ! For that moment i was irritated i mean biting my lip so as not to say the plates are for the fruit and the bowls are for the cereal in the grand scheme it does not matter it was still breakfast, if i had said he would have felt his efforts were futile that i was critisising this would not of been my intention my intention would be for breakfast to happen the same as usual my way
I am always working on this one ! it is the silly little things i have to watch, only this morning i was preparing for breakfast i got out the bowls and plates and my husband ( who was ready early ) began to cut the fruit and put it into the bowls i use the plates for fruit and the bowls for cereal however he was helping and instead of pointing this out i decided to do a bit of ironing and he fetched more bowls for the cereal and all was well How ridiculous ! For that moment i was irritated i mean biting my lip so as not to say the plates are for the fruit and the bowls are for the cereal in the grand scheme it does not matter it was still breakfast, if i had said he would have felt his efforts were futile that i was critisising this would not of been my intention my intention would be for breakfast to happen the same as usual my way
As Wren said we all should grant others the right to pursue their own paths. My girlfriend and I just broke up over such issues. The procrastination and lack of communication on her part ruined the relationship and the business we were trying to get going. In short, her procrastination meant bills weren't getting paid on time- which, although I paid the greater part of them was her agreed upon responsibility- and made trying to get our business off the ground virtually impossible. My question is when a significant other continues- for years- a pattern of behavior that threatens the relationship and the committments and goals both parties have agreed to doesn't there come a time when asking politely is no longer an option and it is time to put one's foot down?
Miraculousy sober today.
Gem
__________________
My worst days sober are better than my best days drunk.