Rule #25

Well, we've come to the end of the rules, but not the end of this blog. I'll be back tomorrow or the next day....I have so much more I want to say to you, so I hope you'll be back, too.

This is the rule I am most likely not to follow... Rule #25 is MAKE PEACE WITH WHERE YOU ARE. Now making peace and being satisfied are two different things. I believe, in order to move on we have to accept where we are. I know how difficult that can be, I have trouble myself. Imagine you are in a situation you want to change, let's say a job. Most people will complain, involve others in their justification of their dissatisfaction, maybe get depressed, certainly be sad...in short, feeling very negative. So you set out on a new job search from a negative place. You may find a job, but you take your negative self with you. The new job's negative aspects will jump out at you in no time at all because that's the place you are starting from. I propose that you can't really move on until you come to terms with where you are. Back to the job...maybe you don't like your job, but you like your coworkers or customers, maybe it's a nice physical environment. Make peace. Ask yourself...are you running from something unwanted, or towards something wanted? Small distinction with a huge difference in attitude. When we are running from, we may take the first job that comes along, or the first relationship, or anything. When we make peace, find the things about the unwanted situation that we can appreciate, we can see clearly what is best for us. Remember Rule #3, don't hold a grudge? Well this is similar...making peace is not approval in the way that forgiveness is not condoning. Once your mind is free of the negative thoughts and emotions, you will be able to see clearly what actions you need to take.

I know you are thinking, well if I just wasn't in this place (job, relationship, living situation...) I would be happy. I understand, but we all take our baggage with us wherever we go. If our suitcase is full of discontent, we will be looking at all situations, including our new one, with those eyes. The discontent will continue to surface, no matter where you are, until you make peace. This is why rebound relationships rarely work...there is too much residual emotion brought to the table.

So how do you make peace with an unwanted situation? Control your thoughts, of course! Like so many of these rules, when you learn to control your thoughts, you control your destiny!

Thank you!

Rule #1 - I AM RESPONSIBLE
Rule #2 - ALWAYS BE KIND
Rule #3 - DON'T HOLD A GRUDGE
Rule #4 - DO THE RIGHT THING
Rule #5 - SMILE
Rule #6 - BE GOOD TO YOURSELF
Rule #7 - SAY I LOVE YOU
Rule #8 - BE POSITIVE
Rule #9 - LAUGH
Rule #10 - DON'T JUDGE
Rule #11 - SET GOALS
Rule #12 - SING AND DANCE
Rule #13 - MEDITATE
Rule #14 - BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
Rule #15 - BE HONEST
Rule #16 - SAY I'M SORRY
Rule #17 - BE GENUINE
Rule #18 - PAY ATTENTION
Rule #19 - TRUST YOUR GUT
Rule #20 - CONTROL YOUR THOUGHTS
Rule #21 - COMPLEMENT
Rule #22 - EXPECT THE BEST
Rule #23 - GO WITH THE FLOW
Rule #24 - ALWAYS BE IMPROVING
Rule #25 - MAKE PEACE WITH WHERE YOU ARE