Are you one of those people who wake up thinking “Let’s see what the day brings?”
I think most of us do, albeit, unconsciously. We decide (either consciously or unconsciously) to go with the flow.
Well, here’s something to think about.
When we do that, we are setting ourselves up to be in reactive mode – victims of whatever that day will bring our way. It could be positive or it could be negative. We sit back, see what comes up and then react to it.
If it’s something good, something fun, it’s great, right? We feel good. We feel happy. It’s a great day!
But if something negative happens – we receive bad news or a co-worker annoys us – we can get sucked right down into negative emotions and thoughts. Then how do we react? Angry, frustrated, miserable. Of course, then we fall into the blame game of this happened, that happened, this person did that to me, etc. and we become victims of that person or event.
It’s exhausting to live like that – our emotions being at the mercy of whatever happens.
The thing is, there are always things that can go wrong. It’s inevitable really. There are things that happen and people we come across that we cannot control. Are we giving them the power over us, over our day?
Now, there will be some of you who will argue that being open to what the day brings is a good thing if the expectation is that of positivity and optimism. And yes, these are great expectations to have. But I’d challenge you on where the responsibility sits in terms of how you get to experience your day. Are you expecting the day to bring you good things? What if it doesn’t? Or, are you taking responsibility for the kind of day you are going to have by what you bring to your day?
There is a difference.
Rather than saying “Let’s see what the day brings” try saying “What will I bring to my day?”
What is it that I can control regardless of what comes my way? Will I be kind? Will I give people the benefit of the doubt? Will I manage my temper?
These are all things we can control, and they can make all the difference to how we get to experience the day.
In fact, when you determine who you will be and how you will be throughout the day, then even when unexpected or negative events happen, which they inevitably do, you will be able to counteract the impact. You will be in the driver’s seat.
You’ll be in control of how you experience the day rather than the events of the day determining whether it’s good or bad.
Events of the day are simply the events. You cannot control all the events that come your way, but you can decide who you will be and how you will carry yourself when those events come your way.
