Finding My Inner Zen

March 11, 2024

You know how we often feel like life’s just tossing us around, and our moods are like those little boats on the ocean, bobbing helplessly with every wave? Well, I’ve been on this journey of self-discovery and stumbled upon this simple yet profound insight: we’re not just passengers on this ride but also captains, and we can steer our ships toward calmer waters.

It hit me one day when I was dwelling over something minor that spiraled into a whole day of stress. I realized that the power those events had over me was actually the power I was giving away. That’s when it clicked: the stories I tell myself about these events really matter.

So, I started experimenting with this new perspective, treating it like a personal challenge. Whenever something got under my skin, I’d pause and ask myself, “Why am I letting this get to me?” More often than not, I found that I was adding unnecessary drama to the situation, casting myself as the victim in a story where I was the writer.

This is where the fun began. I started rewriting these stories in my head, choosing to see setbacks as plot twists rather than roadblocks. An early morning work call is canceled at the very last minute? More time to enjoy the morning air and listen to my favorite tunes. A chance to learn and grow. It was like flipping a switch from viewing life as a series of obstacles to seeing it as an adventure.

The coolest part of this journey has been learning to detach from outcomes. Not in an “I don’t care” way, but more like “I’ll give it my best, and whatever happens, happens.” It’s incredibly freeing to put in the effort but not be weighed down by the need for things to go a certain way. Life’s become more like a jam session—sometimes the tunes come out funky, but that’s part of the groove.

I’ve seen how much lighter and more joyful life can feel when we stop handing our emotional remote control to every passing event. It’s not about ignoring our feelings or pretending things don’t bother us. It’s about recognizing our role in shaping our emotional landscape and choosing paths that lead to peace and happiness. Each of us is on our unique journey, and it’s important to remember not to take things to heart when there’s no intentional harm meant.

So, next time life throws me a curveball, I will remember that I’ve got the power to choose my response. I’m the story’s author and the captain of my ship, confidently navigating those waves.

Positive Vibes.

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