Don't take it personally

A lot of times things happen that are out of our control. Yet our natural tendency is to see everything in a narrow perspective based on our own perceptions. Often this leads to an emotional response to the situation - we feel guilt when things go bad and arrogance when things go well.

Yet if we can broaden our perspective and don't just respond out of emotion, we realize that there are many factors at play that are beyond our influence and control that are causing every situation, even in circumstances that seem like we have direct influence.

For example, many times I thought someone was angry at me, but it turns out they were just having personal issues and it wasn't about me. Or when I think I deserve all the credit for a great achievement without recognizing all those who did the heavy lifting for me along the way.

We should always have the wisdom to let our immediate emotional response pass with time and seek the full scope of what is actual happening in any given circumstance.

Meander Meadows - 9/28/14