Thursday, March 10, 2011

perfectly content

  Have you ever been perfectly content with your life, even though there are a half dozen things that should be stressing you out?
  That's how I feel right now.  And, I'm pretty sure it has to do with the attitude change I've been working on for the last 3 or so years.  Three and a half years ago, you would find me stressed about every little detail in my life, and likely you'd know every single thing that was stressing me out. College and living on my own has made me realize that life is full of stress, but most likely it's nothing to get worked up about.
A year or so ago, I was stressed about a relationship.  I was talking with someone I consider an extra mom.  She asked me, "Will it matter in 25 years?"  Now, I ask myself that about almost everything.  Will it matter in 25 years??  I doubt it, so why stress over it.  Now, obviously this can't account for every situation, but for the little things, like the guy who called me a bitch, it likely won't matter. 
  For other situations that aren't as applicable to mattering in 25 years, I choose to adapt.  For many situations, exist in an imaginary room.  There is a wall of hell with no doors or windows.  And there is a wall with many doors and windows that you can go through with a change in attitude or adapting to make the best of the situation.  This is often the method I use when doing something I don't really want to do.  Usually it has to be done, like attending class or meetings, and you might at well enjoy it. 
  One other change that I've been working on is my attitude when I'm hungry.  Most people, I treat just fine, but there are a few people that get snapped at when I'm hungry and that just isn't fair to them.  I don't want to be snapped at either.  So, I try to notice when I'm getting hungry and if I can, eat something.  If there are other plans ahead of eating, I remind myself that sudden changes may occur in the plan that will prevent me from eating, but it isn't the end of the world. 
  It really seems to be working.  I'm not sure if people around me notice, but that doesn't matter, because I know that I'm happier.