I used to go to a Puerto Rican restaurant in Manhattan that had quotes painted on its basement walls. One in particular read, “Don’t let idiots ruin your day.” While the restaurant no longer exists, that message is good advice for living a more joyful life. Too often we let others “ruin” our days. We care too much about what they think of us or what they say to us. Yet we have an opportunity to choose our own reaction. I normally practice this philosophy of choosing how I react to unpleasant situations or people but this week, I was reminded that I’m human. I let someone’s comments to me upset me for days. And now, I appreciate that these comments made me remember to breathe, to remember to choose a better feeling thought and to remember to appreciate the best in the situation.
I appreciate it for the reaction it gave me to remember my own practices, to remember that I am in control of my own well-being and that I need not concern myself with what others think of me. I appreciate that I don’t have to wait for others to like me, or accept what I’m offering. I am enough. I am worthy. I appreciate the reminder that we don’t always know what others may be going through, so instead of judging them, we can just send them love and good intentions for moving forward.
I appreciate the time I’ve known this person. I can appreciate using Abraham-Hick’s List of Positive Aspects about this person, too. I have practiced using that list for years, whenever I was having challenges with people. I appreciate that it helps me to think of them in a more joyful light and helps me to move on.
I can appreciate myself for not responding to this person in a way that would further cause angst between us. I appreciate choosing a reaction that feels good. I can appreciate that this behavior prompted me to write a blog post. I appreciate this unwanted contrast for the value it’s teaching me to let things go. I have the power to choose how I feel about all of this and I am empowered to use this moment to let it all go: and so I did.
Appreciation Magic 