Hiya,
For the last few days I’ve found myself short tempered. Hair-triggered, if you know what I mean. Flaring up into a near rage over the tiniest things.
I then went on to ask myself the exact wrong question: Why am I short tempered at the moment?
It’s the wrong question because I already know my mind is going to find valid answers for ‘why’ I should be ill tempered; the dogs made a mess of the house, I couldn’t find what I needed in the cupboard because we have too much stuff, etc.
You may be feeling angry, or disappointed, or depressed, or confused at the moment too but feel that you ‘should’ be happier – after all..it’s Happy New Year, right?
Then this morning, whilst walking one of our dogs in the January drizzle I remembered the lesson I learned from Paul & Layne Cutright – “You’re Never Upset for the Reason You Think You Are”.
Suddenly, it became obvious.
The very thing I like to help others find: clarity, was the one thing I was searching for myself. Ironic.
I am in the process of expanding a particular business interest at the moment but had not gotten clear about ‘how’ I was going to proceed. Because I was confused I distracted myself from the task of getting clear.
This realisation immediately filled me with a sense of calm, the tension in my muscles physically lessened and I set about putting the process into action.
The rest of today I’ll be getting clearer and clearer about what I am going to do moving forwards, and just as importantly, what I’m not going to do in this new year.
Tip: If you are feeling a bit low at the moment instead of asking yourself why you feel low, ask – what will make me feel brighter, happier, excited?
And finally: Dan Rockwell recently wrote a blog post titled: Getting the Most From Anger. He suggested: When you feel angry, stop and observe yourself. Ask, will I be proud of what happens next?
Enjoy, get clear
Stu
🙂
hit me right on the money this morning…will be regrouping my attitude and focusing on brighter things…Thanks!
Good for you, 🙂
I love the idea of asking yourself “Will I be proud of what happens next?” Helps tone down any idea of acting out 🙂
If only we can muster the self awareness when in that state of mind Linda. 🙂
ACIM Lesson No. 5. I AM NEVER UPSET FOR THE REASON I THINK.
I like Paul and Layne. 😊
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Aha! Interesting cross over of wisdom there Jo. 🙂
Good suggestion Stu worth trying. Happy New Year to you and your family.
Thanks Indira, and to yours. Now all I have to do is carry a reminder with me at all times in case I get into an angry mental state. 😉
It’s very difficult to avoid but not impossible.
I’d like to know your secret if you have one. 🙂