So one of the things I've had to learn to do is accept things the way they are. I've always hated that phrase "it is what it is", but it's true.
What's funny is as I have learned to accept things the way they are I'm learning how many people think that means it's never going to be any different. And that's not what I'm approaching. That's not the take that I'm trying to have on things.
I was trained to control my environment around me. To predict things that might happen and be prepared for those things. And when I couldn't do that it would make me angry.
As part of my anger reduction program I am committing to less. I am looking at the way things are and accepting that this is what is right now. And then working from here to either make it something that I want it to be or letting go and letting it go down its own path to wherever it's going without me.
It's a challenge, because most everybody around me has an opinion and wants to see the way things should be. People are quick to get worked up when things are not the way they expect them. I have that happen to me a lot and as I'm getting older and more experienced I'm able to see that while it may not be exactly the way I want it now it will be in a little bit OR it doesn't need to be and I turn to something else or in a different direction.
But I don't just decide that it's never going to be any different when I accept the way things are. I'm trying to find a footing in the undertow of life so that I can stand and begin to direct my efforts in a more fruitful way. More fruitful than the anger and frustration that I lived in for so long.
It's ironic that this is all very frustrating for me. But I am learning, which is good. I was taught to never stop learning.
And I haven't.
