As I've gotten (hopefully!) a little wiser over the years, I've discovered something.
Life isn't nearly as exhausting as we make it.
Most of our stress isn't coming from what happens. It's coming from how hard we fight reality.
So today I'd like to share five simple reminders that have helped me become a happier—and much calmer—human being.
1. Accept What Is
That doesn't mean you have to like it.
It doesn't mean you stop improving your life.
It simply means you stop arguing with reality.
You can't solve a problem until you're willing to admit where you are.
Acceptance isn't giving up.
It's where progress begins.
2. Let People Be Who They Choose to Be
This one took me years to learn.
If someone wants to leave-Let them.
If someone wants to disagree with you-Let them.
If someone insists on learning life's lessons the hard way-Let them.
One of the most exhausting jobs in the world is trying to manage another adult's life.
Your job isn't to control people.
It's to choose your response to them.
The only person you can truly change is the one staring back at you in the mirror.
3. Learn to Let It Go
Holding on to resentment is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to get sick.
When someone disappoints you, offends you, or pushes one of your emotional buttons, ask yourself:
"Do I really want to carry this around all day?"
Protect your peace.
Some things simply aren't worth the rent they take up in your mind.
4. Trust the Timing of Your Life
I know this one isn't always easy. Especially when you're waiting for answers.
Or a new opportunity.
Or wondering why life isn't moving as quickly as you'd hoped.
I've discovered that forcing rarely creates peace.
Sometimes delays are preparing you for something better.
Sometimes they're preparing you to be better.
Keep showing up. Keep growing.
Trust that your next chapter is unfolding even when you can't yet see the whole story.
5. Look for the Glimmers
Most people spend their day looking for what's wrong.
I challenge you to look for what's right.
The first sip of coffee.
A wagging tail.
A sunset.
The sound of birds singing.
A stranger's smile.
The breeze through the trees.
Sunlight dancing on the water.
The smell of fresh bread.
A friend who calls just to check on you.
Life isn't made up only of the big moments. It's built from thousands of tiny moments we almost miss because we're too busy looking for the next problem.
Those tiny moments, those glimmers, quietly remind us that life is still beautiful.
Here's what I've learned after coaching people for decades.
Peace isn't something you find. It's something you practice.
You practice accepting.
You practice releasing.
You practice trusting.
You practice noticing.
Little by little your life begins to feel lighter.
Not because life changed. Because you did!
So today don't wait for the perfect vacation.
The perfect relationship.
Or the perfect bank account before deciding to be happy.
Start collecting glimmers.
You may be surprised to discover they've been waiting for you all along.
Make it a daily habit to look for a few glimmers. I promise they're there!
If you enjoy my ezines, PLEASE do me a favor and pass it on!
You know people right now who need some encouragement, please forward these types of emails to them and so they will feel, heard and seen.
That is often all it takes to create a shift in someone's life to a more positive direction.
You can also get some extra help by checking out my New Podcast, Lee Milteer: Authentic & Unapologetic, for some deeper dives on daily challenges.
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Don't Take Things Personally
Jul 23 · Lee Milteer: Authentic &...
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Lee Milteer
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