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I've added the Daily OM to my perma-links up there on my LJ header. Not sure why I don't feel like signing up; I guess I just don't want any more emails from non-people. Plus I plan to ditch Time Warner at the first opportunity, so it's one less place I'd have to change my email address at.
Anyway, I'm enjoying the topics. In addition to enjoying the ones that make me go 'aha' there's the ones that solidify some aspect of a philosophy I'm already aware of and trying to apply. For instance, Friday's topic was
...Thinking Small
Life's Little Victories
"Many of us are taught, from an early age, to strive mainly for big dreams and to seek out equally large successes. We find inspiration in those who have overcome the greatest odds and those who have built the largest empires. But seldom do we look to our own lives for examples of victories, forgetting that any accomplishment deserves a moment of triumph. Life's little victories encompass both the moments that make you give an inner shout of joy and simple things like a job well done, finishing a daunting task, or making it through a less-than-pleasant situation.
"Little victories can keep you optimistic about the big victories and help you retain a positive attitude, even when things are going wrong, because the small successes will stick with you if you take time to honor them. Look carefully, you will no doubt find little victories occurring throughout your day. Did you keep your cool in a tense situation? Resist the urge to spend unwisely? Find time to spend with your family? Pat yourself on the back when you notice a small success and make a mental note of it. Or write down a few things each day that can be considered little victories. Make your accounts detailed by outlining exactly what caused you to feel triumphant.
"When we choose not to acknowledge life's little victories, deeming them insignificant, it is easy to become frustrated. Instead of staking your happiness on getting a promotion, buying a new car, or being the winner, stake it on your ability to conquer the ups, downs, and responsibilities inherent in living. In doing so, you will find yourself able to avoid being caught up in negative feelings by keeping one eye toward your next triumph."
.
This speaks nicely to getting rid of the 'all-or-nothing' mentality we often use to trap ourselves with. If you don't score an obvious, undisputable, 100% victory, then you are a big failure- screw that. I think hub's finding the same philosophy in learning Go, where it's possible to lose well, and that can be just as satisfying as winning. It's a pretty un-American way of thinking, so it doesn't come easily to a lot of us.
Anyway, I'm enjoying the topics. In addition to enjoying the ones that make me go 'aha' there's the ones that solidify some aspect of a philosophy I'm already aware of and trying to apply. For instance, Friday's topic was
...Thinking Small
Life's Little Victories
"Many of us are taught, from an early age, to strive mainly for big dreams and to seek out equally large successes. We find inspiration in those who have overcome the greatest odds and those who have built the largest empires. But seldom do we look to our own lives for examples of victories, forgetting that any accomplishment deserves a moment of triumph. Life's little victories encompass both the moments that make you give an inner shout of joy and simple things like a job well done, finishing a daunting task, or making it through a less-than-pleasant situation.
"Little victories can keep you optimistic about the big victories and help you retain a positive attitude, even when things are going wrong, because the small successes will stick with you if you take time to honor them. Look carefully, you will no doubt find little victories occurring throughout your day. Did you keep your cool in a tense situation? Resist the urge to spend unwisely? Find time to spend with your family? Pat yourself on the back when you notice a small success and make a mental note of it. Or write down a few things each day that can be considered little victories. Make your accounts detailed by outlining exactly what caused you to feel triumphant.
"When we choose not to acknowledge life's little victories, deeming them insignificant, it is easy to become frustrated. Instead of staking your happiness on getting a promotion, buying a new car, or being the winner, stake it on your ability to conquer the ups, downs, and responsibilities inherent in living. In doing so, you will find yourself able to avoid being caught up in negative feelings by keeping one eye toward your next triumph."
.
This speaks nicely to getting rid of the 'all-or-nothing' mentality we often use to trap ourselves with. If you don't score an obvious, undisputable, 100% victory, then you are a big failure- screw that. I think hub's finding the same philosophy in learning Go, where it's possible to lose well, and that can be just as satisfying as winning. It's a pretty un-American way of thinking, so it doesn't come easily to a lot of us.
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Date: Jul. 11th, 2005 03:00 pm (UTC)From:Please tell each of your fishies we said hello. And I hope your kitty is enjoying the lovely new amenities of the freshly tiled kitty room.