For all of us perfectionist, type A, people pleasing people out there, this is what rigidity gives us:

1. overly high expectations setting us up to be upset easily (just as soon as things are not going exactly as planned or going our way),

2. stressed relationships (loved ones have a hard time reading our minds and doing what we want)

3. An unexpected turn of events can turn into a catastrophe (in our minds anyway)

4. We are not good drivers (tense,horn beeping, aggressive, tailgating,etc)

5. We are hard on ourselves as well as others.

6. We do not sleep well at night.

7. We tend to overeat (all that cortisol tends to make us want to reach for the sugary, starchy comfort foods)

8. We may over use alcohol

9. We are not the most centered parents, employees, spouses that we can be.

The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit ~ John 3:8, from Healing Thoughts, Unity

Flexibility on the other hand, gives us:

1. Peace

2. a good night sleep

3. improved relations with others

4. a happier home life

5. greater satisfaction on your job

In your journals, simply write at the top:

How can I be more flexible and tender?

Then just write away!

The start of my entry may look like this:

How can I be more flexible (and tender)?

1. Breathe more

2. Not take things so personally

3. Ease up on my expectations in all things

4. Do not judge or prejudge so much

5. Take things at my ease more

6. Exercise

7. Spend time outdoors (the rhythm of the natural world I find to be my greatest inspiration)

8. laugh more, and not take things so seriously

9. look at the benefits of having different outcomes (as opposed to the outcome I wanted initially)

10. Breathe some more

11. Stretch

12. Ask myself (as I’m beginning to get upset..) will this really matter next week, next year, or 10 years from now?

13. If I am really upset I can write in my journal or take a walk.

14. kind and gentle words to others are much much better than the alternative…

Your turn!

Is it more important to be right or to be happy?

In peace,

Debra

Is it more important to get things exactly your way or to see things from a different perspective?

Related Posts:

• Sometimes the best of intentions backfire
• When it’s raining outside, drink wine (or make lemonade): Ten ideas on dealing with disappointment
• The Mew Way: docility
• Letting Go Of Control