A Dinghy On Life's Ocean

Many people spend their lives as a perpetual victim. Everything that happens in their life is caused by something, or someone else. It's hard for them to look inward and see that almost everything we feel comes from within, not from outside ourselves.

A quote I have heard off and on for a long time has always rung true, and I feel it is very simple, yet very profound. When I hear of someone upset about what another person has said, or perhaps about the cards life has dealt them, I always think of this quote.

"Nothing external to you has any power over you." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Other people can call you names, write/say bad things about you, or knock you down and take your lunch money. Although these things do have an affect on you, they do not have power over you.

How you react to an external event is all your choice.

I see so many people that become angry, and even violent, when someone says something about them.

This is an immature response.

Life is too short to allow others to control your emotions to the level of anger and stress.

I'm sure most of you have heard the expression,

"Just let the comment roll off you like water off a ducks back."

Essentially, this means to ignore the comment. Why would you openly invite confrontation by reacting to any negative comments? This just serves to elevate a bad situation, increase your anger and stress levels, yet yields zero positive results.

If the source of the negativity is a rare occurrence then not paying any attention to it is the best course of action.

On the other hand, if there is a continuos flow of external darkness, it's always a good idea to remove the disease and choose a different environment to hang out in.

Whether it's negative friends, poorly run organizations, or any number of other possible problems. Don't go through life like a dinghy on life's ocean, being tossed around by forces you think you can't control.

Instead remember you have complete control, and distancing yourself from the problem will always result in a happier, healthier life.

In closing I'd like to leave you with this last little gem of a quote. It comes from a comedy team I saw at a renaissance festival in Larkspur Colorado years ago.

"I feel like I am in a glass bottom boat in a sewer. I'm in this shit, but clearly above it all." - Ralph Puke (Puke n' Snot)

This has been one of my feelings ever since I heard it. When it feels like I'm in deep do do, I just remember Puke's words of wisdom, and keep on sailing...