This quote resonated with me because over the last few days, I've found myself getting frustrated with slow Internet speeds that have prevented me from uploading videos and sending out my Daily Inspirational Quotes and Video Reflections or Life Hacks.
But the hypocritical madness of allowing myself to get frustrated when the message in all my quotes and videos is to let negative emotions like frustration go hit me when I saw this quote. So, I decided to apply it - I took a few deep breaths and just let go of the expectation that was the root cause of my frustration by asking myself a few simple questions:
1. Is it really realistic to expect that everything will always run smoothly and go according to plan?
2. Does it really matter that I haven’t sent out emails for the last couple of days?
3. What is good about the situation?
4. What can I do about the problem?
The answer to question number 1 is obvious: expecting things always to go smoothly and to plan in this world is a completely unrealistic expectation that will only set me up for frustration and a permanent sense of inadequacy and failure - which is exactly what my ego wants me to think and feel because these thoughts and feelings make it real.
Answer number 2 is also fairly obvious: no, it doesn't really matter - no one was harmed or really suffered because I didn't send out a couple of emails. In fact, the vast majority of people on my mailing list would not have even noticed they didn't receive an email from me over the weekend.
I had to think a bit to find answers for question 3, but here's the thing: no matter how bad a situation appears to be, there's always something positive that you can see in it. So here's my list of good things that have come out of the situation:
1. I've been given the opportunity to write this Reflection, which I really enjoy doing.
2. I've posted this Quote and Reflection in my Blog, so it's made me write a new Blog post that people who aren't on my mailing list (like you?) are able to read.
3. It's given me an opportunity to let go of another part of my ego and free my mind just a little bit more.
4. It's made me do something constructive about the situation - 10 Mbps speed and unlimited data is now on its way
(Note: it's still 'on it's way' two weeks later as I re-post this from my main Blog Page to this archive, so yet another lesson in letting go of expectation!)
When looked at from these perspectives, my problems and temporary frustration were actually a very good thing - absolutely perfect in their apparent imperfection.
You can ask yourself the same questions I asked myself whenever you find yourself getting frustrated, angry or upset in any way over anything. Take a few deep breaths through your nose, ask yourself each question, pause to reflect on it and let the answers come. You may want to write these answers down as they come, because reading through them will help you to complete the shift in perspective and mindset to make sure you have truly let go of any negative thought or emotion about the situation and restored your peace of mind.
I suggest writing these 4 questions down or printing out this article so you have them to hand the next time you get frustrated or upset about something:
1. Is it really realistic to expect that everything will always run smoothly and go according to plan?
2. Does this apparent problem really matter?
3. What is good about the situation?
4. What can I do about the problem?
If you feel like you need a bit more help to let go of your 'stuff', you are invited to Register for the FREE Art of Letting Go Webinar I'll be running this coming Thursday at 7 pm UK time (8 pm SA time) during which I'll show you How to Let Go of Any Negative, Stressful Thought or Emotion in Minutes and Find Your Flow in Life (Without Having to Do Another Webinar for Your Personal Growth or Healing Ever Again).
During the Webinar, I'll be guiding you through a powerful Two-Step Letting Go Process I've developed that will enhance the effect of asking yourself the 4 Questions and help you Drop Any Negativity in minutes. You'll get Instant Access to the instructions for the Two-Step Letting Go Process when you register for the Webinar.