I believe there is a direct correlation between my own happiness and what I understand I control.
When I listen to the news, which is almost never by the way, I can go from calm and peaceful to angry and pissed off in a few seconds. Sometimes instead of anger I can feel fear, or even despair.
If you are like me, living in a state of anger, or fear, or despair is not the pathway to a life of joy and happiness. What hits me hard when I pause to ask myself what is creating my feelings, is the realization I am reacting to something that I have very little control around.
You know what is true? I don’t need to have control over many things…like other people, world events, belief systems. None of it. I have control over me…my actions, my words, my thoughts, my ideas, and my choices. All of it.
When I recognize this I can choose to show up fully, authentically, and be engaged. That makes me feel great. I get to say the things the man I want to be would say. I can take action in the direction the man I choose to be would do. I can be that man…I am that man.
It seems to me, controlling myself in all areas of development to become the man I aspire to be is a full time job that I can barely manage as it is. I do not have time to waste thinking about or trying to control others and situations where I have no power or influence. I can ease my suffering by understanding this.
An amazing thing happens when I show up as my best self…others are inspired to do the same.
Little by little, what I control has a ripple effect and impacts the world around me to become better. It requires diligence and commitment on my part to become my best self. It isn’t an easy journey but it is a joyous one. The pay off for me is huge…an engaged life, and I reap the dividends all along the way.
What are you doing to work on yourself and thus make the world better?
