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| What did the grape say when the elephant stepped on it? (Answer below) |
It was filled with frustration. I didn't think it would be, but such has been the case. There has been lots of exhaling, let-ting out stress, along with my breath. Encountering tension is not fun.
The following link is helpful if you want to know if, like me, you're relating with an emotional bully. Click here.
I have been an elephant walker, and driver, this week. The elephant in the living room of a troubled relationship has been paraded by yours truly. I took the elephant with me everywhere. It was a tight fit in the car, but my floppy-eared visitor and I visited a dear friend or two.
Thankfully, these companions helped in giving it a bath----remov-ing some of the crud off of this unwieldy pachyderm, by offering perspective.
As a result, I see this Jumbo-sized situation for what it is. It is an opportunity for exercising principles. Along with living by them. It is important doing so firmly----but graciously----regardless of the resis-tance encountered. This is especially true when I'm with the emotional bully that is making life miserable.
Naming the elephant, discussing my concerns, with my buddies hasn't made circumstances better. But I feel better. This critter is not nudging my serenity as much as it was. I find the following helpful dur- ing troubling times:
Life doesn't always go smoothly or peacefully, even though I wish it would. In the past when something bother-ed me, I’d say nothing rather than face an argument. It seemed better to be upset than risk upsetting someone else. The results were usually disastrous. I would become irritable and unreasonable. I'd let resentment fester.
Today, I suspect adversity has value I hadn't recognized. When I face adversity and deal with my problems or express my feelings, things have a chance to improve. [If I don’t mention my concerns there is no chance of it improving.]
Even if they don’t, I release the pressure I feel. I’m new at this. I don’t do it very gracefully yet. Sometimes it’s scary a my words are not exactly welcomed. Nevertheless, I feel better when I finally begin living life on life’s terms.
Looking back, I see how much I’ve grown. I wouldn’t have chosen the crises in my life. But since [applying heal-thy principles], I’ve learned every problem can help me change for the better. It can deepen my faith, adding to my self-esteem.
The Chinese word for crisis is written with two charact-ers. The first stands for danger, the second for opportunity. I'll look for the good hidden within everything I encounter.
‘There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in its hands.’ Courage to Change, p. 139
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| 'll be happy when my elephant becomes this size Don't laugh, I've seen it happen with other elephants
in my life!
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How About You?
How are you at expressing what troubles you?
How are you at expressing what troubles you?
Wishing each of you a terrific day, and look forward to your response.
The answer to the question above: the grape did not say anything---it gave a little wine.
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2 comments:
If I could have a miniature elephant, I would probably have two.
I am grateful that you posted this, especially the part in the purple...especially the picture of the miniature elephant.
The part in the purple sounds like my reasoning for not just 'letting things go' as is the trend in my family of origin. I know, as well as they do, that 'letting it go' is the same as trying to swallow a ham hock whole: it doesn't go over very smoothly.
Third gratitude, I'm grateful for this inn.
I'm glad you like the quotation. That it helps you to make the right decisions in your interactions with your family and others, is my hope. I trust----like it does for me----the quote inspires you to have the fortitude to cling to your values against all pressures and persuasions to do otherwise.
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