Live and Learn: Lesson 1 - Don't let Circumstances Control You.

 "Don't let circumstances  control you. You change your circumstances. "

-Jackie Chan

I don't know how to begin this post, but I know I need to change how I live my life. I have always tried to find a way to help me live happily and fulfilled. I have read many books and online articles and even practiced spirituality, like joining a meditation retreat. However, sometimes, I find myself feeling trapped in unhealthy emotions. 

Living in the Social Media Era, it's hard to stay focused and positive; every day, we are bombarded by tons of information that often is based on bias. People will always take sides if it is from someone or something they support; even though what is said doesn't seem right, they still try to support the person who posts. 

On the contrary, even though it is based on the truth and makes sense if the post is written by someone they don't like, they still find a reason to criticize. In most of the comments, two sides of readers will be arguing. They even say mean things to each other. There is always a hidden agenda behind the news and social media posts. 

I am overwhelmed whenever I read news or articles because sometimes I don't know whether they tell the truth. I have friends who have become long-term friends for a long time, but their friendships have ended because of different political beliefs.  

Sometimes, I can't stay composure and peaceful because of the people surrounding me. At work, I have to deal with some co-workers and customers who are difficult. And when I return to my place, I have to deal with noisy neighbors. 

We live in a condo where we can't avoid hearing our next-door neighbor. On my day-offs, I love spending time on a patio reading books and writing blog posts, but I can't concentrate because my neighbors downstairs are noisy. Sometimes, I almost yell at them! If I were still my old version, I would have yelled at them or even said mean words.  

One day, I realized that I can't change or control external situations or other people's behaviors, but what I can do is change myself. We can't avoid being involved in unpleasant situations unless we live alone in the woods or cave, disconnecting from the world. 

And whenever I know I have lost myself to the furious and hectic external world, I will return to my inner world. I have learned to be honest about my feelings by adopting one of the Buddha's teachings that teaches you to be aware of your thoughts. 

When you suffer from your untrained mind, you need to train your mind to be more positive. When you think positively, it helps broaden your perspective. I have learned that I am unhappy because I let the outside world control me. And when I can accept what causes me unhappiness, I can let it go. I can't control what happens, but can choose how to respond. 

 

I will live and learn every day and be a better person than I was yesterday. I know I am imperfect and sometimes make mistakes because I am a work in process. And that's all a lesson I learned today. 

Thank you for reading my post. 

Don't Let the Outside World Control Your Happiness.

"An entire sea of water can't sink a ship unless it gets inside the ship. Similarly, the negativity of the world can't put you down unless you allow it to get inside you."

-Goi Nasu

Have you ever found yourself constantly seeking happiness from the people and things around you? Do you feel like your happiness rests on your career's success, your peers' approval, or even the amount of likes you get on social media? Happiness is something that we all desire, but it's essential to recognize that true happiness comes from within. 
In this blog, we'll dive into the importance of not letting the outside world control your happiness and how to take control of your happiness.

It's essential to recognize that you are already complete and perfect, just the way you are. You don't need anything or anyone to define your worth and happiness. Instead of trying to fit into the mold of what society tells you is a happy life, focus on being content with your true self. This means accepting yourself as you are, flaws and all. When you're comfortable in your own skin, you'll find that external factors no longer dictate your happiness.

It's also important to recognize the innate greatness of the world surrounding us. Beauty and wonder are all around us, even in the most mundane things. When we take the time to appreciate the world we live in, we open ourselves up to experiencing true joy and happiness. Take a moment to step outside and enjoy the fresh air or spend time with loved ones - these simple things can bring us great happiness.

Another aspect of taking control of our happiness is recognizing that the people and things in our lives hold no power over us. It's easy to fall into the trap of seeking validation and approval from others, thinking this will bring us happiness. But the truth is, we don't need anyone else's support to be happy. Instead, focus on the things that bring you joy and fulfillment. Pursue your passions, explore new interests, and surround yourself with people who uplift and support you.

In addition to all of these things, it's important to remember that happiness is a choice. We may not be able to control everything in our lives, but we can choose how we react to those situations. We can choose to dwell on the negative, or we can choose to focus on the positive. We can choose to be angry and bitter, or we can choose to be kind and compassionate. When we consciously choose happiness, we open ourselves to a world of possibilities.

Conclusion: At the end of the day, happiness is something that we all deserve and desire. It's important to remember that happiness truly comes from within and that the outside world doesn't have to dictate our emotions. By accepting ourselves as we are, recognizing the greatness of the world around us, not letting others control us, and choosing to be happy, we can all experience a life full of joy and fulfillment. So, don't let the outside world control your happiness - take control of it yourself.

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