Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Taken from book with the same title by Richard Carlson, PhD

Often we allow ourselves to get all worked up about things that, open closer examination, aren't really that big a deal. We focus on little problems and concerns and blow them way out of proportion. A stranger, for example, might cut in front of us in traffic. Rather than let it go, and go on with our day, we convince ourselves that we are justified in our anger. We play out an imaginary confrontation in our mind. Many of us might even tell someone else about the incident later on than simply let it go.

Why not instead simply allow the driver to have his accident somewhere else? Try to have compassion for the person and remember how painful it is to be in such an enormous hurry. This way, we can maintain our own sense of well being and avoid talking other people's problems personally.

There are many similar, "small stuff" examples that occur everyday in our lives. Whether we had to wait in line, listen to unfair criticism, or do the lion's share or the work, it pays enormous dividends if we learn not to worry about little things. So many people spend so much of their life energy "sweating the small stuff" that they completely lose touch with the magic and beauty of life. When you commit working toward this goal you will find that you will have far more energy to be kinder and gentler.