A 1-Minute Strategy for Moving Forward

Dear Essentialists,

One of the biggest obstacles standing between us and the calm of an effortless life is trying to change what we can not control.?

Perhaps no other activity will cause more frustration and create more friction in our lives.

I learned this lesson from my friend, Jonathan.

Before the birth of their son, he and his wife learned their son had Down syndrome. The shock of the diagnosis was like being hit by a train.

After his birth, Jonathan's son spent months in the neonatal ICU fighting for his life.

Their world was turned upside down. Jonathan felt helpless and overwhelmed.??

And while many friends and family members stepped up, others faded away. These actions were confusing and painful for Jonathan and his wife.??

After struggling with his feelings for months, Jonathan made an important decision.

He decided to accept his friends' behavior. He certainly couldn't change it.?

Their behavior probably wasn't malicious, and as he looked back, it probably should not have been all that unexpected.?

So he let go of the unrealistic expectations and accepted their behavior as it was. Only then was he able to find true peace and move forward.?

When we surrender grudges and complaints in favor of grace and compassion, we return closer to the calm of our effortless state.

A 1-Minute Strategy for Moving Forward

1. Examine where you may need to let go of unrealistic expectations.
2. Focus on accepting things as they are and will be.?

"I was angry with my friend:

I told my wrath, my wrath did end.

I was angry with my foe:

I told it not, my wrath did grow."

―?William Blake,?Songs of Experience

In gratitude,?

Greg

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