My reflection today:
“We can’t always control the people, events, or circumstances that surround us, but we can control the way we choose to react to them. No person or thing has the power to make us angry or scared or frustrated – these are simply ways we choose to respond. Instead of feeling resentful that people don’t always act the way we like or circumstances don’t always unfold as we’d prefer, it helps to focus instead on our inner beings-on becoming more aware of the thoughts and feelings we want to experience.
When we no longer rely on circumstances to make us happy and choose happiness in spite of them, we soon notice the very things we found a objectionable magically fading away. And in their place cascades a glorious deluge of all things deserving and reflective of our good energy.
We can’t always control the world around us, but we can master the one within and create joy and beauty both inside and out.” – Lynn Keachie
In a book John Powell, SJ, shared this story. Sydney was with his friend who stopped to buy a newspaper. The newspaper person was very gruff and nasty. Sydney’s friend smiled and said, “Have a good day!” Sydney said to his friend, “is that person always that way?” He said “Yes.” Sydney said, “Why don’t you go somewhere else?” His friend said, “I am not going to allow him to control my behavior. I am an actor not a reactor.” This fits in quite well with today’s reflection.
