Daily Effort

As a Mom, I’m learning that there is a fine line between expectation and reality. I have expectations of what I want out of Colton, but the reality is he is not going to meet all of those expectations. It’s funny that it took me becoming a Mom to really understand this concept because it’s really no different when I’m dealing with adults. I have spent months trying to pinpoint what areas of my life area causing me conflict, stress and negativity. I have come to the conclusion that most of the conflict, stress and negativity that I feel is due to my reaction to the reality of a situation versus my expectation.

Over the course of several months, I’ve been soul searching and reflecting on, not only what kind of person I am portraying to others, but the kind of person I really am, with no filter. It’s so easy to post cute pictures of Colton laughing and doing fun things or to post a Facebook status update of what a great day it is – but behind the scenes, is it a great day? Am I living the life I am portraying? The truth is, I have been digging deep to find out who Renee is and where I want her to go in life.

I came across an article online that listed 17 things to avoid if you want to be happy. They were…

1.       Involving yourself in drama

2.       Having unrealistic expectations

3.       Settling

4.       Always saying “yes”

5.       Doing things in excess

6.       Listening to public opinion

7.       Living in the past

8.       Going back to your “ex”

9.       Taking on more than you can handle

10.   Comparing yourself to others

11.   Gossiping

12.   Dating someone completely wrong for you

13.   Having pessimistic tendencies

14.   Over-criticizing yourself

15.   Isolating yourself

16.   Overlooking experience for material possessions

17.   Passing judgment

You can read the full article here!

I think being happy (truly happy) takes a conscious effort. Ridding ourselves of conflict and stress doesn't start with other people, it starts within each of us! Look at that list up there, how many of those negative things do you have in your life? Chose positive, chose happy! Whether it’s an effort to be happy in our marriage, in our job, in our parenting, in our friendships and in our daily lives, it’s important to remember that it’s a daily choice and it takes a daily effort.

Comments

  1. DeniseOctober 30, 2014 at 1:54 PM

    Amen sister!! I have also really worked on eliminating any of the negativity from my life (similar to the items you listed above) and have found myself to be happier and more at peace than ever in my life. Over-criticizing yourself and having unrealistic expectations...huge ones. Don't be so hard on yourself. So true!!

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