BACK SEAT DRIVER

"The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers."

~Dave Barry ~

It's easy to be a backseat driver with the people we love. They are driving, but we are there beside them telling them to slow down, not to miss the coming turn, to watch out for other drivers, and be careful in the construction zone. We think we are being helpful, and that our input is necessary and useful, but it's not. For my part, I dislike anyone telling me how to drive.
     We would do better, I think, to get out of the car entirely, and let them tell us about their adventure when they choose to do so and the time is right.

I resist the urge to give instructions and let the people I love make their own way down the road without my pestering input.

THE NEED FOR PERSONAL FREEDOM

"It is only when we silent the blaring sounds of our daily existence that we can finally hear the whispers of truth that life reveals to us as it stands, knocking on the doorsteps of our hearts."

~ K.T. Jong ~

I require space- and freedom. I think we all do. Personal choice and time for ourselves are necessary facets of healthy living. And contrary to the opinion of some, these do not detract from our families and intimate others, but actually grow appreciation for them, and deepen our love.

I take time for solitude knowing that it ultimately strengthens every relationship that I have.

TO EACH HIS OWN

"Do not push."

~Back End of Dump Truck ~

Spiritual belief is personal business, and consequently, a bit dangerous to discuss. Politics are somewhat the same way. We tend to bait ourselves and others by wanting to impose our opinions, and we suffer on both sides for the imposition.
     If we can listen and share from a place of neutrality, that's one thing, but if we have an agenda and a desire to make ourselves "right" and someone else "wrong," we better look again, and consider silence instead.

I refrain from overwhelming others with my personal opinions.

LOVING DETACHMENT

"If you love something, set it free."

~ Sherrilyn Kenyon ~

 

Allowing those we love to make poor choices and bad decisions is hard work, but it's worth the difficulty, and ultimately, an act of not abandonment, but grace.

 

I stop giving unsolicited feedback and meddling in the lives of those I love.

DEATH DENIAL

"The fear of death follows from a fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time."

~Mark Twain ~

We shrink from death. We recoil and pretend that it's not real, that it won't exist for us is we refuse to see it. But it does exist, and is as certain as our life itself. So let's find a way to make peace with it and come to terms- for ourselves, our family, and the world at large. We will all be better for it. Denial keeps us nothing but dysfunctional, desperate, and blind to the truth.

I courageously face the reality of death and surrender my fear of it for acceptance and deep, abiding peace.

 

FOR LYNDA :)

"We have met the enemy and he is us."

~Walt Kelly ~

 

We do wrong by ourselves and wonder why we suffer. We know better and push on cavalierly in spite of our knowledge. No matter how old or wise we become, we never seem to stop believing that we can escape the consequences of our poor choices.

 

I stop being my own worst enemy and accept the reality of cause and effect.

SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION

"What goes on on the inside will show on the outside."

~Third World ~

The spiritual journey takes us from "What will I get?" to "What can I give?" We may find ourselves suddenly looking for ways to be helpful and kind, avoiding manipulation and criticism. On this path, we have compassion and feel good. This is the way of peace and pleasure. It's not in things, but in us.

In every situation I consider how I can be of service, and adjust my behavior accordingly.