Self-importance is our greatest enemy. Think about it - what weakens us is feeling offended by the deeds and misdeeds of our fellowmen. Our self-importance requires that we spend most of our lives offended by someone.
—Carlos Castaneda
Were we offended by someone today? Do we harbor resentment for remarks, oversights, or unpleasant mannerisms? Do we feel tense or uneasy about how someone else has treated us? We can probably make a good case to justify our reactions. Perhaps we are in the right and they are in the wrong.
Yet, even if we are justified, it doesn't matter. We may be puffing ourselves up and wasting energy. When we are oversensitive, we take a self-righteous position, which leads us far from our path. Our true strength is diminished.
How much better it is to let go of the lightness, let go of our grandiosity, and accept the imperfections in others. We need to accept our own imperfections too. When we do, we are better for it, and our strength and energy can be focused on richer goals.
I will accept others' imperfections; I do not need to be right.
—Carlos Castaneda
Were we offended by someone today? Do we harbor resentment for remarks, oversights, or unpleasant mannerisms? Do we feel tense or uneasy about how someone else has treated us? We can probably make a good case to justify our reactions. Perhaps we are in the right and they are in the wrong.
Yet, even if we are justified, it doesn't matter. We may be puffing ourselves up and wasting energy. When we are oversensitive, we take a self-righteous position, which leads us far from our path. Our true strength is diminished.
How much better it is to let go of the lightness, let go of our grandiosity, and accept the imperfections in others. We need to accept our own imperfections too. When we do, we are better for it, and our strength and energy can be focused on richer goals.
I will accept others' imperfections; I do not need to be right.
5 comments:
I try to live by the motto:
It is none of my business what you think of me.
(That's a collective 'you', not you, Mel. But it is hard not to be offended at times at what you either heard someone say, or wonder if they are saying things about you. Maybe it's not even being offended. Maybe it's being hurt inside. Rejection has that power, especially when depression is present.
I'll keep this idea in mind today.
thanks Mel.
Peace.
Well I don't know - I don't need to be 'right' but I do need to be 'alright'. It's about security as much as self importance.
Still, it's a good idea to let go of that. I'll keep it in mind too : )
oh crikey
*pulls self together*
I'm going back for a reread. . .
(. . .presumably this applies to life with teens, as well as 'normal' life? yeah, thought so; probably especially to life with teens, eh)
Oh that came at just the right moment as I was starting to go into yet another blogshpere melt down where no-one loves me!!!
xx
I can't stay, can't even give a decent read. My stomach is killing me but I'll be back
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