For my third resolution this year, I had the inane idea that the way to a simpler life was through no drama. I decided I would be very careful not to create drama in my life and therefore live in perfect peace and harmony. Just who did I think I was kidding?
I decided this idea needed a little more thought. What we call drama is actually the energy of the universe and without it none of us would move forward in our lives. Sort of like the pyramid display of oranges in the grocery store. If no one touches it, it won't move or change, but if someone takes just one orange out of the side – bang! – they all come tumbling out all over the floor. Two women helping pick them up discover they are long lost friends. Two strangers reach for the same orange, bump into each other, one says, "Sorry! I…." and a new relationship has begun. Everyone, including the oranges, have moved forward because of drama.
In yoga today my instructor said life is like the camel pose. You're wobbling, choking, feeling a little sick, hurting, getting dizzy, but what do you do when you're overwhelmed by the drama being caused by the pose? You push your hips toward the mirror and push through it. When it's over, your spent, but you reap the benefits. You are way better off than if you didn't come to class and do the camel pose.
So…… drama. It makes you feel like you do when your in the camel pose, but you have moved forward and are better off for having had it in your life, even though you're totally spent afterward. Now I need to revise my third resolution.
They way to a simpler life is to have an emergency kit ready for the drama that is inevitably going to cross your path and move you forward. In it I would put these things I received from a friend for New Year's:
1.Toothpick … to remind you to pick the good qualities in everyone, including yourself.
2.Rubber band … to remind you to be flexible. Things might not always go the way you want, but it can be worked out.
3.Band-Aid … to remind you to heal hurt feelings, either yours or someone else's.
4.Eraser … to remind you everyone makes mistakes. That's okay, we learn by our errors.
5.Candy Kiss … to remind you everyone needs a hug or a compliment every day.
6.Mint … to remind you that you are worth a mint to your family & friends.
7.Bubble Gum … to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything.
8.Pencil … to remind you to list your blessings every day.
9.Tea Bag … to remind you to take time to relax daily.
This is what makes life simpler. Resolving to have no drama in your life during 2011 is just setting yourself up for failure. Being prepared to face it and handle it in a healthy, rational way is the way to restore peace and harmony in your life. When it's over, you will be spent, but you will have moved forward.
And so, as another day goes by, I will assemble my emergency kit, and…I have written.
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