Daily Gratitude: “The more you know yourself, the more patience you have for what you see in others.”

This is great advice and encouragement for each of us to spend a great deal of time getting to know ourselves. It’s one reason IFS (Internal Family Systems) has changed my life so much. That was how I really learned about myself and why I acted the way I did.

Teaching students about themselves could definitely be a very worthwhile required course in school.

Once you understand what’s going on inside, you begin to see things in other people with a clearer vision. It’s easier to become patient with others when you realize you’ve not been the perfect being you thought you were. You can accept that everyone is at different levels of growth and that growth is a process. You become more accepting and less judgmental.

Decide to be a deep sea diver and don your dive gear. Take the plunge into the depths of your inner being and discover the hidden treasures along with the monsters inhabiting your ocean floor. The discovery will be enlightening and enriching. I think you’ll be happy you did.

Daily Gratitude: “Of all possessions a friend is the most precious.”

This is so true and so applicable to my life right now. I haven’t been a very good friend lately and it’s taken a lot of meditation and reflection to realize it. My hope is that we both have learned something about the other throughout this time.

Even when there are disagreements and disappointments, it’s important to realize that sometimes your possessions just need to be dusted and maybe even rotated a bit to get better light on a certain aspect of it. If we don’t turn things around sometimes then we might not see all the beauty. It’s hard to see it all if we’re always looking at the same spot.

Same goes with our friendships. We need different perspectives at times. This helps us see all the fabulous qualities in the other person. Each person brings so much to the relationship but often we forget that because just as in life we get into ruts. It helps to stand on our heads (figuratively) to see what the other person brings to the venture when seen from a different point of view.

Never give up

Daily Gratitude: “Arrive Alone; Leave Together.”

I heard this is a mystery novel and it was one of those things that just stick with you.

As I’ve been thinking of Vol State and how we all arrive in Tennessee and in many cases start out alone. But that doesn’t last long. Sure there’s the dinners and the bus ride but those are social events. The hard part is once we get going.

There are times in life when we feel all alone. But if you look around you and be open to receiving help from others, you’ll find someone to travel through life with…it may be just a slice of life but you won’t be alone.

What matters even more is that you keep your eyes open to those around you that may need help. Don’t expect them to be able to ask for help. Just reach out and offer it. And be aware they may just say “no” initially because they are embarrassed or don’t know how to accept help. Don’t believe them if you see something else in their eyes. Always pay attention to their eyes and your gut.

We all want to “leave together”. It’s just that some of us don’t really know it.

Be there for others.