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Is Control an Illusion?

by EvieBurke, posted in attitude, Complaining

I was thinking about control the other day and how we don’t have control over a lot of things that happen in our lives.  We can’t control the weather, our friends and family or the other drivers.  Sometimes this can be rather frustrating for me.  Where is spring?  Why is it still chilly here? Why is that person tailgating me?  Who’s going to be nice and let me change lanes?

So, last weekend when I heard someone say that being in control of our lives is just an illusion, I immediately nodded my head in agreement.  After all, just look at the list of things I can’t control.  The list of things I can’t control is infinite.

Then I remembered the one thing I do have control of in all situations.  I am in control of how I choose to react in each situation I’m in or observe.  I get to choose whether the guy tailgating me annoys the heck out of me or not.  I get to choose if I complain about the cold day or enjoy the fact that the sun is out.  You get to make those same decisions in your life.

So, is control an illusion?  I guess it depends on what you’re trying to control.  Are you trying to control the situation or your reaction to the situation?  I find it’s less stressful for me when I make the decision to control my reaction, rather than the situation.

What do you think?

I Can’t Wait for Today!

by EvieBurke, posted in Today

Have you ever said “I can’t wait for tomorrow” or “I can’t wait for Friday” or “I can’t wait for today to be over” or anything along those lines? Yeah, me too. I don’t think it’s possible to go back and count how many times I’ve said some version of that.

Have you ever said or thought “I can’t wait for today!”? I was talking with some friends the other day and one of them said that she put a note that says “I can’t wait for today” in a spot that she sees it everyday. She was going through a rough patch and was counting down the days to the weekend. Then she realized, why do I need to wait for the weekend? What can I do today?

So, what are you waiting for and can you start working on it today?

Your Inner Three Year Old

by EvieBurke, posted in attitude

I heard someone say the other day that we all need to embrace our inner three year old. Now, before you run off to start drawing on walls and take your afternoon nap, I don’t think that’s what he meant (although I could occasionally use an afternoon nap). If you have young kids, or have spent any time with them, you know that the world is really exciting to them.  Many of their experiences are brand new and exciting. They take everything in (even the stuff you wish they wouldn’t) with fresh eyes and aren’t afraid to ask questions.

Today and this weekend look at the world through the eyes of a three year old.  Look at people and places like they’re brand new to you and a wonderful experience.  And when you have a question, ask it without worrying if it’s appropriate.

In the comments, tell me what everyday things become magical when looking at it with the eyes of a three year old.