The Anxious Therapist

The easiest thing in the world to do is give up. As a society, we’re encouraged to “just quit” when our circumstances allow us to become unhappy. We think the grass is greener on the other side, but what people don’t realize is that watering your own lawn is just as effective, if not more effective, than throwing in the towel because you THINK “it could always be better.” Things get worse before they get better and they only get better if you choose/allow them to get better.

People can change and grow. To claim that someone cannot is to deny yourself those possibilities. Think about it: if you claim people don’t change, you’re telling the world that you, personally, will never change or grow. There is a huge difference between not wanting change and being unable to. Sure, some people DON’T change because they don’t WANT to… not because they CAN’T. Change comes from growth and it’s a choice.

“We are prone to judge success by the index of our salaries or the size of our automobiles, rather than by the quality of our service and relationship to humanity.” Reread to acknowledge a huge part of what’s wrong with our world.

Life is too short. Don’t let your traumas hinder you… let them empower you. Use your experiences to help; don’t use them as excuses. God put us here to help each other, not hurt one another. “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” Be the person to light others’ flames, and surround yourself with those who light yours.

Never try getting “even” with someone who’s hurt you or done you wrong. That’s giving that person or people too much credit and time for the hurt they’ve caused. Instead, forgive them. “The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you.”

“Never look down on someone unless you’re helping them up.” None of us are in any position to judge another human being. We’ve never walked in their shoes and we never will. The same way you judge someone, you, too, will be judged.

“The greatest virtues are those which are most useful to other persons.” We’re put here to help each other, not ourselves. The happiest, most successful people I’ve ever known are those who put all of themselves into helping. You don’t find happiness in cars, shoes, jewelry, or food. Happiness is knowing you don’t need those things to be successful.

“This is the true joy in life – being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.” AMEN.

The only thing worse than sticking out is blending in. Be an original. All too often people lose themselves, lose who they truly are, because they fight so hard to become someone else. Be yourself. You’ll be loved more because of it.

And there is nothing greater in this world than to love and to be loved.