Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

 

There’s a lot to be upset about in this world at times. And rightfully so. But there’s also quite a bit that gets under our skin and throws us off course that quite frankly, doesn’t deserve the attention we give it.

The palm tree is considered the strongest tree in the world, even stronger than the mighty oak because it bends with the wind.

There’s so much we can’t control in our every day — traffic, rude strangers, technology glitches, sirens blaring while you’re trying to meditate. But the more we push against some of these not-so-big-in-the grand-scheme-of-things things and let them upset us, the more they separate us from joy and break us.

In his totally fantastic, bestselling book, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff and it’s all Small Stuff, Richard Carlson tells readers that when faced with something that’s upsetting them, “Ask yourself this question: Will this matter a year from now?”

It’s easy to get caught up in things that aren’t really that big of a deal unless we make them out to be. So if you’re seeking more peace, joy and ease in your life (and who are we kidding, aren’t we all?!) here are two easy ways to keep the little upsets from ruining your day:

1. Take a cue from Richard Carlson and ask yourself, “Will this matter a year from now?”

If so, then allow yourself to feel all you’re feeling so you can work through it and know that everything’s going to be OK.

If not, take a deep breath and know it’s in your best interest to let it go.

2. Out of sight, out of mind.

Our focus is like that laser beam in the movie Honey, I Blew Up the Kid. The more we think about, talk about and overall obsess about something that upsets us — the bigger a problem it becomes.

It’s kinda crazy how often we’re still talking about something that upset us hours after it happened.

Keep yourself from carrying something negative throughout your day by resisting talking about it to everyone you encounter after.

“My day was great, except for my deli was out of my favorite bread and my phone had some update it took me a half-hour to figure out — talk about a waste of time.”

Why go there?

And while we’re at it, definitely ditch any urge to post your complaints on social media, where comments will keep them alive for days.

Life will never be sunshine and rainbows all day, every day — there will always be little things that get on our nerves. But, instead of making mountains out of molehills, love yourself enough to prioritize your happiness, take a deep breath and let the little things go.

Wishing you an easy and relaxed weekend!

XO

 

Quote du jour

“The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the best out of everything that comes their way.” — Unknown

 

Read More Feel-Good Notes

Turn Your Day Around

Don’t Stumble Over What’s Behind You

Go On, Get Happy

 

Latest Feel-Good Notes

Make Time for Your Dreams

Make Time for Your Dreams

What’s one thing you could do that would make this year stand out from the rest and make you feel like you took a big leap in your life?

These days, many of us are so pressed for time that we give ourselves few moments to do what actually excites us. But even if your day feels impossibly stuffed, you can make time for what really matters.

Sounds nice, but how, you may be wondering? I’m so happy you asked!

You Are Enough, Right Now

You Are Enough, Right Now

Some days you may feel like you’re not good enough, or doing enough. You may wish you could snap your fingers and turn into a version of yourself you think you should be with a perfect job, spotless house, and exciting hobbies (or whatever your definition of an ideal life may be).  

But here’s something you need to know … You are wonderful, just as you are. You are enough, right now.

7 Ways To Add More Happiness To Your Day

7 Ways To Add More Happiness To Your Day

Imagine rolling out of bed with a smile on your face, laughing throughout your day, and going to bed feeling calm and content?

While not every day will be sunshine and rainbows, there are so many things you can do to add more joy to each day.

Here are seven of my favorite ways:

A Less Stress Summer

A Less Stress Summer

Summer is synonymous with relaxation, but sometimes we find ourselves stressed out and not living our best, “feet in the sand, good book in hand,” season.

Worries happen to all of us. But, one of the easiest ways to feel more carefree is to take a moment to declutter your brain. Because here’s the deal: Our brain can only handle so many thoughts at once. Anything extra bouncing around distracts you from enjoying otherwise happy moments.

Here’s how: