This is one of my all-time favorite quotes; a mantra I use when I’m feeling wronged or slighted. It reminds me that it’s not all about me; that sometimes my perception of matters is just a story I’ve created, drama I’ve bought into. Whether someone cuts me off in traffic or my heart gets stomped on, I have a choice in how I handle the situation.
I’m no expert on karma – but I believe in it. I think when we’re unkind and intentionally inconsiderate, it boomerangs right back to us. Sometimes really quickly, sometimes at a snail’s pace. Either way, those negative vibes work their way back – and then we find ourselves wondering out loud, “what did I ever do to deserve this!?” Um, yeah.
At first, it feels harder to be kinder and gentler, especially when you have spent your life being sucked in by the false sense of productivity that getting mad and mean provides. In the heat of the moment, rage feels really good. Lashing out feels like a release, gossiping creates a feeling of camaraderie. But that quick rush doesn’t last and it doesn’t move us forward.
As much as I might try, I can’t control what happens to me. But I can feel my way through it all, try to learn from it, and choose to respond with deep breaths and big love. Are you with me?
