- nathanburrblair

We interpret other people’s actions as it relates to us, so that they are helping or harming us … giving us what we want or getting in the way of what we want. But their actions aren’t really about us — their actions are about them, because they are at the center of their own stories. When we interpret their self-centered actions through the lens of our self-centered view, the actions often make no sense, and frustrate, hurt or infuriate us.

What would the story be without us in it? For me, that story becomes something like:

– Things are happening — how interesting! What can be learned from them? What can be understood?
– Someone else is doing something or talking, and it’s probably about them. How can I understand them better?
– There is difficulty and unhappiness in what other people are saying and doing. How can I feel compassion for them and offer them love?

Via Zen Habits

1. Say thank you to everything and everyone, even to your grief and those who frustrate you.
2. Ask how you want to use this gift of a day.
3. See this moment as the most important moment in the world, and don’t wait to be happy.
4. Do every task out of love for someone else, and yourself.
5. To make better habits, put everything you have into small steps. And ask for help.
6. Travel lighter, pack fewer fears.
7. Overcome procrastination by sitting with one task, not letting yourself run from discomfort.
8. One thing at a time.
9. See discomfort as no big deal.
10. Ask yourself how you want to spend your one wild and precious life.

Via Zen Habits