Who's Pulling Your Strings?

Get the whole world in your hands



Instead of feeding my old assumptions about the 'holiday season' 
this year, I relinquished all my old expectations.
I said farewell to other people's notions of what 'is'
or 'should be' and even my own childhood sense 
of loss for the reality that exists.
I just let go and let it be another day in the neighborhood.

And it was good.

I didn't go anywhere I didn't want to go, didn't surround
myself with anyone I didn't want to see, didn't get
involved in any activities/traditions/habits that
were not to my liking, and I felt not one single iota
of disconnect or detachment because I was not
"part of" this massive movement.
Because I'm not; I'm me..and only me.


I can do my thing and be the only person on the planet doing so, and that's cool.
I owe no explanations, and need no one's approval.
I can craft whatever kind of day or week I need
based on my needs, and not feel threatened
or left out or lonely. It's all an attitude.


One day has no more 'magic' than another.
I am not obligated to perform trendy rituals.
I need make no apology for my beliefs.
I needn't get upset about other people's foolishness.
The predictability of human drama is entertaining if you let it be.


Be the designer of the world you want.
Give yourself permission!








***************************************

Expectations Vs. Demands

Y'know, whenever something makes me really uncomfortable, it's generally
because I need to hear it but don't want to. This reading from last Sunday's
(Valentine's Day) Daily Reflections has been recirculating continuously.
I'm aware, I'm striving for openness, but my heart is resistant to change.
I'm going to keep reading this one every day.

Maybe someone else can relate, too.

**********************************************************************



EXPECTATIONS vs. DEMANDS

Burn the idea into the consciousness of every man that he can get well regardless of anyone. The only condition is that he trust in God and clean house. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 98

Dealing with expectations is a frequent topic at meetings. It isn’t wrong to expect progress of myself, good things from life, or decent treatment from others. Where I get into trouble is when my expectations become demands. I will fall short of what I wish to be and situations will go in ways I do not like, because people will let me down sometimes. The only question is: “What am I going to about it?” Wallow in self-pity or anger; retaliate and make a bad situation worse; or will I trust in God’s power to bring blessings on the messes in which I find myself? Will I ask Him what I should be learning; do I keep on doing the right things I know how to do, no matter what; do I take the time to share my faith and blessings with others?

Perspective

"Father, forgive ME

for expecting in the human

that which is found

only in the divine."

-Eric Butterworth