Let it be for a Peaceful and Joyful Life.

It is so easy to get caught up in fighting to be right. Sometimes we fight hardest when we feel like we are not getting any respect or acknowledgement for our point of view. We can get so caught up in winning our point, we lose our ability to see anyone else’s. Once we lose our ability to see the other person’s point of view, we can no longer effectively persuade or learn. We need to be able to let go and listen. As Steven Covey says in the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Seek to understand first, then be understood.

Much of the misery in this world comes from unrealistic and unfulfilled expectations. We cannot appreciate the goodness and beauty of a person, situation, or thing, if we cannot first accept them for who and what they are. We can not really accept someone if we are so wrapped up in proving our own point, that we can not really see them. And we cannot receive the grace and joy that comes with gratitude if we cannot first appreciate the goodness and beauty of what we have.

So, despite my Scottish heritage, I often find that when I am angry, frustrated, or feeling disrespected, I need to disregard the ancient family advice and let go, not hold fast. When I let go of being right or being acknowledged, I can see and accept what I really have. Yet, when I take the time to stop striving and let it be, rest up a little and reach out to the people around me, acceptance, appreciation and joy have room to flood in. I like to listen to the wise words of the Beatles and-

Let it be for a Peaceful and Joyful Life.