How many of my frustrations and disappointments come from expecting too much! It is good to set our standards high, but only if we are prepared to accept, with comfortable serenity, results that fall short of what we expect.
We expect more of family, friends and coworkers, than they can sometimes deliver at their stages of emotional growth. At times we expect complete transformation, when it is we ourselves we should examine for transformation. In addition, and sometimes above all, we make too great demands on ourselves.
Today's Reminder
Let me learn to settle for less than I "wish" were possible, and be willing to accept it and appreciate it. I will not expect too much of anyone, not even of myself. Contentment comes from accepting gratefully the good that comes to us, and not from raging at life because it is not better. This wholesome attitude is by no means "resignation", but a realistic acceptance.
"What you have may seem small; you desire so much more. See children thrusting their hands into a narrow-necked jar, striving to pull out the sweets. If they fill the hand, they cannot pull it out and then they fall to tears. When they let go a few, they can draw out the rest. You, too, let your desire go; covet not to much ..." (Epictetus)
[Taken and fashioned from "One Day At A Time In Al-Anon"
for general family relationships by Jim Hogue, MA, MFTI]
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