Skip to main content

One Corner of the Universe

There's only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self. ~Aldous Huxley

It's so easy to see the negative in others, and I'm no exception to this rule. The last few entries deal with my view of what's wrong with the world while it would probably be more worthwhile to turn that reflection inward...

Yes, I think so. I'm so wanting to control my world around me when, in fact, I'll only end up frustrated because we really only have control over one thing: our reactions/interaction to the world and people around us. A quick temper is one of my greatest flaws and the one I will address tonight.

While I may be justified in feeling offended, there is no defense for the level in which I respond when angered. Sometimes my anger has been unjustified just because I have misunderstood the situation, and given my quickness to judge, I have placed myself into sticky situations in which I just look foolish.

Other times my projected anger is warranted, but not my place to express. It's so hard to see a loved one treated disrespectfully, especially one's own child. A parent just wants to strike out and defend, but, as an adult, my daughter resents my intrusion. Unless there is real physical danger, I have to resist the snide, hurtful, insulting remarks to her partner no matter how much I feel justified in making them. The path my daughter needs to take is clear, but until she makes the decision to tread there, I need to butt out unless invited to share the burden.

There is also a need for me to "not sweat the small stuff." So often I work myself up over the smallest infraction. Why make a mountain out of a molehill? Why allow someone to manipulate me so easily? And if unintended, why do I react so quickly, judging the motive to be a negative one? In this area I have been aware lately, and I have been striving to smile more, to acknowledge how I am in charge of my emotions, not the other way around. I've been reflecting on the fact that sometimes I have no reason to be angry; Some things are just the way they are. Can someone help it if they are asking the same question I have heard from several other people before?

I really need to focus on my feelings before just reacting to the situation at hand. I'm going to strive to be a happier person and not let my emotions rule me. I have a good example in my life of someone who is quick to misjudge the motivation of others and he has been a motivation in my desire to change. I am grateful for the chance to be aware of my faults, and I am very grateful that I have been given the yearning to change.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

It's Only a Matter of Time...

Ridicule is the first and last argument of a fool. ~Charles Simmons Over the years, I've endured the insensitive and ignorant jabs and jokes about Catholicism at work. Based on comments made at every opportunity, you'd think each and every Catholic priest is a pedophile and the Church corrupt to its core. I used to get offended and defensive, but now I surprise myself with the range of emotions I feel when the religious bashing occurs. Depending on the comment, these emotions range from surprise, amusement, and indifference. It is surprising how nescient people are of the Christian faith.  They only look at the surface of truth and do not explore the basis of how it is arrived at.  Catholic principles are based on a long tradition which continues to grow and evolve because our faith is alive...not stagnant. This is not to say that things change as society deems fit, but that the same truth, never conflicting with itself, is more fully understood, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Feel Good Gospel

For there shall be a time, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears: And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables. 2 Tim 4:3-4 Have you ever discussed a subject with someone who refuses to listen? Frustrating, huh?  Especially when dialog does not stay on topic or responses to valid points are unrelated.  But more than frustration, I often feel discouraged because truth is ignored for the sake of convenience, resulting in continued separation from God. People are so often swayed by arguments in favor of things that are against God's commandments because they can then live lives that suit their nature without guilt. Even more alarming are people of faith who are swayed into worldly thinking.  There is a recent quote attributed to Pope Francis that boils down to salvation is obtainable without God. In di...
Post a Comment
Read more

Say What, Pope Francis?

"Our Father...forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." In recent months, Pope Francis has given interviews that have stirred the emotions of the Catholic and secular world alike.   To be sure, he discussed many topics, but my focus here is his statements on sin.   I’ll admit that my initial emotional response as a traditional Catholic was one of dismay.   But that first feeling was quickly replaced with peace; I knew there was more to his statements than what I was reading. And so, even thought I didn’t need the reassurance, it was important to be informed in case I was ever given the opportunity to share Pope Francis’ message of salvation through the love, mercy, and forgiveness of our Lord. First of all, I want to address the most controversial statements right off the bat.   Yes, in the July 28, 2013 interview with reporters during his return flight from Brazil, Pope Francis did say, “If someone is gay and is searching for th...
Post a Comment
Read more