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PETITES PENSÉES LUNDI
A new addition to TSLL's regular postings, available to all readers, non and Basic and TOP Tier members. Enjoy the Petites Pensées Lundi post each and every Monday as you begin the week, a shorter post replacing the Monday Motivational post, as I dive into completing TSLL's 4th book. This post, sharing thoughts to ponder, or as I am choosing to title them, Petites Pensées, 'small thoughts', while not small in depth of content, but rather small in length - no more than 1-3 paragraphs, with an introduction sharing from where the post was written or conceptualized wherever in the world I might find myself will offer a glimpse into one of the numerous and unique ways to live a life of contentment.
“Control is just the armed wing of fear, whereas audacity and creativity are the fruits of confidence.” —French drama series, Alexandra Ehle
The Setting:
- Lieu: Après a long night of gentle rains, snuggled into the sofa, grey skies abound promising rainfall again soon, pups sweetly sleeping exhausted from their long morning walk.
- Thé/drink: Palais de Thés Montagne Bleue
- Des Sons: Silence
No promises. Not one. Only the promise you make to yourself: to be someone you can trust.
We have talked many times about the difference between fear and doubt, the genesis of each, and so to understand that fear is rooted in our inability to foretell tomorrow as it is something we have never experienced before, how we respond to the guarantee of uncertainty foretells how we engage with life and with others.
To choose to control anything beyond ourselves is to react rather than respond, and puts on grand display our insecurity and lack of confidence thereby thwarting the ability to be truly loving, kind and compassionate, not only in the world, but to ourselves.
Contrarily, to choose to let go, and engage fully with life, choosing to forever learn, stepping into our strengths while acknowledging we are forever a student, we understand there are no promises or guarantees. However, ironically, by letting go, we open up a world of possibilities not only regarding where our potential will lead us but as it pertains to the respectful and loving relationships we will foster. We also strengthen our confidence. Not a confidence that expands into arrogance, but rather becomes a quiet confidence that guides us well along our unique life path, deepening the quality of our experience.
Anytime we witness or observe another person or entity exerting control in any form, be it bullying, engaging in prejudicial behavior, jealousy, gaslighting, fear-mongering, shaming or guilt-tripping, refusal to respect boundaries, passive aggressiveness, blaming and refusing to take responsibility, manipulation, anything at all in which when they don’t receive the action, behavior, or outcome they want, they attempt to force what they want to happen, we are witnessing a person who has permitted their fear, and thus insecurity, to guide their decision-making rather than a person who embodies true courage and their innate creativity to trust that constructive efforts and kind engagement will lead to a favorable outcome as the days unfold.
By choosing the latter of the two choices mentioned at the top of the post, to accept the guarantee of not knowing how tomorrow will unfold, we become audacious in letting our creativity guide us, following our curiosity which innately knows where to take us to not only discover our dharma but have the inspiration to live a life that honors what we have found if we will be dare to trust it. In trusting our curiosity, creatively exploring where it leads us, we remain forever fueled and energized and will long be thriving while the fearful cling to their forcibly attained gains never knowing a moment’s peace of mind.
The choice is each one of ours.
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Brilliant. Just brilliant. I think I will print this out and hang this up for a daily reminder.
Thank you for your way with words, putting into words a much-needed post and concept(s) for communicating, and for sharing your wisdom.
Thank you fo stopping by Abigail 😌 And glad to hear this post spoke to you. 💛
Thank you Shannon for always choosing inspiring topics for les Petites Pensées Lundi… I usually like to focus on one main idea I find in the post and I “use” it as material for reflection during the week. This week my thought to ponder will be: “ To choose to control anything beyond ourselves is to react rather than respond”… I tend to forget it so easily!
Thank you for sharing this approach of focusing one idea that speaks to you for the week. A great idea and one I have a feeling others will take inspiration from. You are not alone in needing this reminder. I am there with you as well especially during moments of heightened emotion or stress. The more I consciously slow down before taking action or speaking, the less I find myself reacting, but I am still a student with each new experience that arises. Life is for learning, non? 🙂 Thank you so much for your comment today. xo
Thank you for this summary of two choices that appear almost constantly throughout our days. Approaching life’s interactions with others with this clear perspective of choice offers calm and poise. Thank you.
I just completed part 6 on curiosity in the contentment masterclass, so this post is quite timely. I’m learning that too often in my past, fear was the driver of my actions or decisions. I never considered it that way, but now it is clear. Letting go is by far the better choice in so many ways.
Thank you for sharing this aha moment as you progressed through the course. That is awesome to hear! 🙂
Loved this post. Ever since I began reading TSLL (and listening!) I always remember this that you discuss often “responding rather than reacting”. That lesson always stuck with me. And secondly, when recognising what we can and can’t control (i.e. we can control only our own actions and responsibilities) to focus only on what are our “tasks” and let go of the tasks of others, i.e. what is our responsibility to respond / deal with, and what is that of others.
A very helpful life lesson for me and one that I needed reminding of!
Thank you Shannon
Thank you for sharing these two ways that have spoken to you as you have been reading/listening to TSLL over the years. ☺️ Thank you for stopping by!