When I got the assignment for this week’s spin cycle, I was to say the least, excited!
Until recently, and by recently I mean within the last one-two years, I’ve had no motto in life- save for “tan fat looks better than white fat”.
But I have realized, thanks to Zach, that life has so much more to offer if I’ll shed the guilt, change what I can, and don’t worry about what I can’t (change that is).
I really hadn’t realized how guilty I feel about not doing this, or not making time for that; how much I apologize for things out of my control- until Zach pointed it out. Daily he shows me by living out his philosphy on life- in a nutshell: Happy is better. Change what you can. Don’t worry about it if you can’t change it. And if you can change it, you should, otherwise don’t worry!
Clearly I come by the guilt honestly. My mother’s facebook status the other day read:
not feeling good…so staying home tonight instead of working at school…and feeling guilty about it…which makes me feel worse..it’d be nice if I could at least dispense with the guilt
I also realized at some point, that she apologizes for a lot of things that are out of her control, and I’ve seen her worry. But I must tell you, worrying does this girl no good. It makes my brow furrow, my back tense up, and is otherwise unbecoming. I’m pretty convinced that it is unhealthy.
Since making this attempt to live life like Zach does, I’m finding that I am less tense, I worry less, and I really feel like I’m more in control. Strange, I know. I’m sure in the long run it will increase my life expectancy and I’m certainly going to have fewer wrinkles on my brow!
As far as dealing with my horses is concerned, I’m a serial offender of…wait for it… perfection. So I am borrowing this motto from a friend: Strive for excellence, not perfection. I think it’s a great idea to keep in mind as I ride everyday.
Do you my friends and readers have any mottos you like to live by? I’d love to hear from you!
Thanks so much to Jen at Sprite’s Keeper for the assignment.
I read this entry, and felt like I was reading about myself! Amen to everything you wrote. I am exactly the same way, and my husband bless his heart, tries to tell me to stop apologizing also. I am going to try your approach and see if I can get some back relief from losing the worrying and anxiety. I don't know if you are a stress eater like me (whenever I feel worried or stressed I want to eat something, then feel bad for pigging out…so I want to shop to feel better about that!) But I have recently tried to change that by taking a walk or running. If I feel stressed I walk, then I can think about how it really isn't that stressful…and can't eat everything in the kitchen! LOL
I used to spend a great deal of time apologizing for things I had no control over and feeling guilty if I wasn't doing what was "expected" of me. Then it occurred to me that the only person who "expected" those things was me.
Letting go of guilt is an amazingly liberating experience.
The guilt thing is totally me! Even if it's not in my control, I feel like it should be so I can take the blame for it. It's awful, I know. Great Spin! You're linked!
My Mom would try to guilt me into things as I was growing up, I became immuned to it. I worry less because of it.
I like that way of thinking. Seems like wise words to live by…very smart man that Zach is!!
Thanks for stopping by!
Oh yes, Happy is better! Thanks for stopping by. Nice spin!
He sounds very wise. Good for you.
Today on TV they said one of Ted Kennedy's mottos for the senate was:
Don't let Perfect get in the way of Good.
I think that's sort of what you're saying. Very smart.