Surrendering

 

My most excellent pal, www.redhogdiary.com, had a most excellent post today about surrendering. No, he’s not in the Army. And, no, he’s not a coward…well, except when anyone starts talking about PMS or other issues unique to women.

 

His blog fits so many situations. And is so dead on. We build expectations in our own mind that may or may not come to fruition. Know why? Because other people are involved. Darn them. Get on board the U.S.S. Me, or jump the hell off the ship, know what I mean?

 

Sometimes we have needs and wants even we cannot articulate, or have taken for granted that will be met by another. Relationships in general tend to wither and die a slow, painful death when we lose the ability or the desire to communicate what we want with those in our life or choose not to participate when someone else is telling you what they need.

 

A friend of mine, whom I love dearly, has a habit of being incredibly late. Not just 30 minutes late, but hours and hours late, when meals are involved. It’s part of who she is, getting out the door late. But, I used to let it make me crazy. One day, we were talking and the conversation shifted to a place where it was appropriate for me to say, “Hey, you know how you could be a better friend? You can be on time. I feel as though you don’t respect my time when you are late.” It was that simple. And, though I know how hard it is for her to be on time, she now knows how important it is to me, and does her damndest. I stopped being ticked at her for doing something I hadn’t told her was such a problem for me. And, I’ve surrendered the rest, because there is nothing left to do.

 

There are so many other ways this is true. Experiencing life, without having to know the answers or how it’s all going to turn out can be a freeing experience. Living in the moment, grabbing the bull by the horns, answering when opportunity knocks, going for the gusto, and surrendering to life’s momentum as it carries you along, what could be more exciting? You just don’t know what little surprises might come your way. Have a Fantastic Day!

 

Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who did not hear the music.

~ Angela Monet

 Published on: May 20, 2006