Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Words to live by...

I am really lucky.
 
I have an incredibly smart friend.
 
Okay.
 
Actually I have several incredibly smart friends...
 
...but this one in particular taught me a few words that are helping me survive 'stuff' in my life at the moment.
 
My incredibly smart friend told me her secret to a peaceful life is embracing two philosophies...
 
Become unoffendable.
 
AND...
 
Have no expectations.


I struggled with those two concepts for a long time.
 
And I struggle still.
 
It's a control thing I think.
 
But my incredibly smart friend was absolutely right when she gave me this advice.
 
As I learn to apply these principals more and more to every aspect of my life, I find that...
 
I AM finding peace.
 
And it's okay when I can't control things around me.
 
And it's so much easier to be joyous when you're an unoffendable person with no expectations.
 
I always thought the words that would make the most happy were Mr. Jenny telling me, "Go to Target!   Buy whatever you want!  Feel free to buy everything and anything that catches your eye!"
 
I guess that was never the answer.
 
Instead...
 
Gee...
 
Who knew?
 
Peace of spirit was never being sold at Target.
 
It was always there, for free, right in my own mind!
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19 comments:

  1. Whispering ThoughtsApril 2, 2013 at 5:27 PM

    That is one lovely advice to begin my day with

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  2. lissaApril 2, 2013 at 5:32 PM

    good advice but it seems hard. but maybe for a day or two, it would work?

    hope you have a sweet day.

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  3. AmyApril 2, 2013 at 5:47 PM

    You mean peace of mind isn't found at Target? Wow. I am forever being taught by you. Your friend is very wise and that is incredible advice!

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  4. AnonymousApril 2, 2013 at 5:48 PM

    Truly wonderful advice! It's been easier to live those two concepts as I get older, and it certainly is a lot more peaceful.

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  5. "Alone again.... naturally!"April 2, 2013 at 5:59 PM

    I struggle all the time with those two things as well, I think a lot of us do! Hope your day went well. Cathy

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  6. noexcusesApril 2, 2013 at 6:47 PM

    What a wonderful and wise friend you have! Both of these are great suggestions for a more peaceful existence. Let's get happy and joyous!

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  7. JoApril 2, 2013 at 7:42 PM

    peace has always been within .... it's just seeing within that is the obstacle ... have a beautiful day Jenny!

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  8. Ms. AApril 2, 2013 at 9:57 PM

    I try very hard not to have expectations, that way, when something decent happens, I'm pleasantly surprised and very relieved. I doubt I will ever be unoffendable.

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  9. pasqueflowerApril 2, 2013 at 9:59 PM

    Speaking words of wisdom ... let it be, let it be.

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  10. RNSANEApril 3, 2013 at 3:15 AM

    Hi Jenny, I'm wide awake here at 3AM and am glad I stopped by to see you...which I don't do nearly enough lately. Your words of wisdom are brilliant..thank your old friend for me...now I think I might be able to get back to sleep.

    Am on grandbaby countdown.

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  11. Pam Beers.April 3, 2013 at 5:16 AM

    Another good piece of wisdom I learned from my deceased husband is learn to live in the moment. By doing that it takes care of all the other stuff. Lovely post, Jenny. Thanks.

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  12. AnonymousApril 3, 2013 at 12:28 PM

    You have a smart friend and her advice is sound, not easy, but sound.

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  13. Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise)April 3, 2013 at 2:07 PM

    'Great friend, super advice!!!

    God bless ya and have yourself one peaceful day sweetie!!! :o)

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  14. Linda @ A La CarteApril 3, 2013 at 5:12 PM

    Thank you for sharing this advice and I need this myself!
    hugs, Linda

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  15. Susan AndersonApril 3, 2013 at 5:17 PM

    I try to be unoffendable, too, and most times I succeed.
    Still working on having no expectations...

    ;)

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  16. UnknownApril 6, 2013 at 9:10 AM

    Being a gay man, I had to learn to become unoffendable, or go around pissed off every time someone uses a homophobic slur or implies that all gay men are a bunch of wimpy sissies who wear their sister's underwear. I either don't respond to these types, or I disarm them with humor.
    I'm still working on the having no expectations thing.

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  17. Splendid Little StarsApril 7, 2013 at 7:45 PM

    perfect words of advice

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  18. Busy Bee SuzApril 9, 2013 at 4:11 PM

    I think your friend IS a genius. I will try to remember her advice.....and I'll still visit Target and buy (almost) anything that I want. :)
    XO

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  19. SueApril 10, 2013 at 11:55 AM

    I always hate it for you when there is "stuff" happening. I do know from my own experience that at times it rare when there isn't "stuff". I'm glad you are finding ways to let some of it go...I'm not good at that. I may do the right action, but then I stay awake all night thinking about things. I wish you peace my friend.

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Hi! Thanks for leaving a comment! My handy dandy e-mail assistant always notifies me when you do and I read every single one.

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Thanks so much for reading my 'Tangents'! Your comments always feel like a hug!

Jenny Matlock