Suzanne Marlatt Stewart
How you cope with unexpected problems and frustrations can easily be the difference between living a good life and living an unhealthy one. If you choose unhealthy coping mechanisms like avoidance or denial, for example, you can quickly turn a tough situation into a tragic one. And sadly, this is a common mistake many people make.
When you face struggles with an attitude of openness—open to the painful feelings and emotions you have—you find out that it’s not comfortable, but you can still be OK, and you can step forward. Openness means you don’t instantly decide that you know this is only going to be a horrible experience—it means you admit that you don’t really know what the next step will be like.
For me, I tend to judge people’s behavior or situations very quickly. I constantly remind myself I don’t know another person’s story. Also, I am viewing a situation from a narrow perspective. I don’t know the bigger picture. I am reminded that we all have our lessons and there are many paths to the “mountain top.” I want to be open and let go of expecting people or situations to be a certain way.
Defining an Open Mindset
An open mindset can be viewed as a mental stance characterized by:
Curiosity: Actively seeking out new information, experiences, and viewpoints.
Adaptability: Being ready to pivot or change direction when presented with new evidence or shifting circumstances.
Intellectual Humility: Recognizing the limits of your knowledge and embracing the possibility that your current perspective could be incomplete or flawed.
Nonjudgmental Listening: Making a conscious effort to listen and understand before forming conclusions or dismissing alternative viewpoints.
In the end, the world is as you are inside. What you think, you see and ultimately become. So, gather your thoughts wisely—think how you want to live today, and be open to these quotes from the website marc and angel to inspire you:
“The goal isn’t to get rid of all your thoughts and feelings; the goal is to change your response to them.”
“It is what it is. Accept it, learn from it, grow from it. It doesn’t matter what you have done; what truly matters is what you do from here on.”
“One of the most rewarding and important moments in life is the moment you finally find is to let go of what you cannot change.”
“Learn to trust the journey, even when you don’t understand it. Sometimes what you never wanted or expected is exactly what you need.”
I ask in a world where you can be anything … be kind, be loving, and be open to new possibilities in your life in this new year.
Join us Jan. 25 at DesertView Performing Arts Center (DVPAC) at 4 p.m. for another uplifting, joyous, love-filled service with Rev. Dr. Jonathan Zenz. It’s all–inclusive and honors all faiths. A tax deductible offering will help cover the expenses.
Rev. Suzanne, a resident of SaddleBrooke, is an independent writer and speaker. She was ordained nondenominational, representing all faiths, and her focus is inclusivity. Email her at spiritualoccasions@outlook.com.