DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF

Thursday, January 11, 2007

It’s a rare thing for me to join in anything suggested by the Democrats. However, I have borrowed one thought from them: “The First 100 Days.” That’s it—“The First 100 Days.” For the first 100 days of 2007 I am going to read one essay, one chapter or whatever they should be called, from Richard Carlson’s book, Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff. I have read this book before but I am going to read it again in a new way and with a new attitude.

Richard begins his introduction with these words: “Whenever we’re dealing with bad news, a difficult person, or a disappointment of some kind, most of us get into certain habits, ways of reacting to life—particularly adversity—that don’t serve us well. We overreact, blow things out of proportion, hold on too tightly, and focus on the negative aspects of life. When we are immobilized by little things—our (over) reactions not only make us frustrated but actually get in the way of getting what we want. We lose sight of the bigger picture, focus on the negative, and annoy other people who might otherwise help us.” He has a lot more to say and it’s all good.

One hundred brief readings—one a day for one hundred days—that’s my goal. It’s not a New Year’s resolution. It’s just a commitment I have made to myself.

“The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude.” –William James

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