Stress is wanting something to be the way that it isn't

Eckhart Tolle: "Stress is wanting something to be the way that it isn't." Stumbled onto this quote today & thought this quote was worth pondering.


How often do I try to "swim upstream", fighting the current, trying to make something happen that, for whatever reason, just does not happen? Probably still too often.


I can remember writing a short story with the title of "swimming upstream". Was a short blurb about my thoughts when the ex & I sold some cattle we had, when I went back into the military. Was a very difficult & trying time for me. Had created & was enjoying what I considered the 'perfect' life for me, only to have it all radically change due to 911. Much churn, very similar to how one would be reacting if they were trying to swim upstream. And, just as one would expect in a similar situation, much effort was exercised, for naught. But there were many lessons learned because of this experience.


However, to my personal credit, I do believe that I am getting much better at not resisting whatever comes my way.


I am learning that we each have to walk our own paths.


I have learned that no matter how obvious the solution to another person's problem may be to me, they will view this same issue in a completely different way. (AND I've also learned to be less judgemental, because of this.)


Most people claim they want others to be completely honest with them. They don't.


Most people claim they are completely honest with others. They're not.


If you have something you don't want someone else to mess with or use, they will gravitate toward this item every time!


There are more takers than givers in the world.


I am my best friend & will always be there for myself.


Anyway, enough profound thoughts...There is a school of thought that every experience comes your way to teach one something. And that every person that comes into your life is there to do the same.


I hope I can relax & flow like a river more often. Maybe I can view the events that occur in one's life to be a deliberate training ground.


In the end, does it all really matter? I think not.