Disheartening Grooves

 

"We are what we repeatedly do."

Aristotle

Creating unrealistic projections about our lives, sets us up for disappointment.  Even with long range expectations, we needs to be flexible.  The room for adjustment allows us to be provided with what is best for us, not what we imagine in our limited sight.

As we experience a hiccup in our endeavors, caving inwards instead of regrouping is premature.  With an altered approach, we can refurbish the weak spot enhancing the foundation.  

Life does not always agree with our projects.  With hindsight, however, we can view a boulder as a stepping stone, advancing us to a precise destination The stone in our way might be deliberate to alter navigation.  If we do not allow change, adjustment or open minded distractions, we will perpetually be stuck in disheartening grooves.

Touch of Madness

"No great mind has ever existed 

without a touch of madness."

Aristotle

What appears to be madness, actually may be brilliance.  Think of the jokes the Wright Brothers had to listen to when expressing their idea of flight.  Imagine the ridicule Einstein tolerated or crass remarks made to Carl Jung.  Throughout history great minds succeeded in spite of criticism from peers.

We bravely speak up to our friends with an idea we have been mulling over.  An idea that seems to make us percolate with creativity and desire comes spilling out loud.  It is when we look at the faces of our friends ... the shock, disbelief and laughter ... that we begin to second guess our inspiration. We cowardly laugh and say, "April Fool!"

It is no wonder great minds tend to isolate themselves so they cannot be distracted by criticism or negativity.  Engaging with others can dilute the original idea so the project veers off track.  Today, April Fool's Day is an excellent time to float some madness out to friends.  Watch the facial expression and listen to those who support and to those who demean.

Erupting Hot Lava

"Anybody can become angry - that is easy,

but to be angry with the right person

and to the right degree, and at the right time

and for the right purpose, and in the right way -

that is not within every body's power

and it is not easy."

Aristotle

Too often we extend our patience to minor irritants, thinking we are taking the higher ground.  We an be above the minor inconvenience, ignore the slight to our ego, and accept the increased complication.  We are not, unfortunately doing ourselves any favors by any of this.  If we really pay attention, we realize that in each situation, we could have used our voice to politely address the minor situation.  Instead, we think we are being 'better than' by taking it in stride, when we are actually repressing emotions within us.  At an inappropriate time, hot lava spills out impacting anything within its spreading reach.

We all know how this plays out.  Our attempt to be better than, ends up portraying us as Attila the Hun.  There is nothing saintly about repressing our feelings.  It is just another way of disrespecting our inner selves.  It is important to address situations as they unfold, using our voices in a direct, but kind manner.  In this way, the emotions are out of us, not building and smoldering within, waiting to erupt. 

Even when we know our words will not change a situation, we have a right to tell our truth, but in an appropriate way.  We can acquiesce, but we can also express our heartfelt response.  We may know that our words will not be effective, but they definitely support our self-respect.  

Don't wait until some small occurrence disrupts the volcano within you.  When we erupt, it is never in relation to what is at the bottom of the mountain of debris.  Our lava generally burns over those who have little to nothing to do with our triggering emotion.  When we deal with our truth, using our voice at the given moment, we may feel uncomfortable, but then it is done.  The feelings are expressed to the appropriate person, and no one is going to get burned!