Good Morning and Happy Tuesday!
Today, we reflect on a timeless lesson from Don't Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson: the practice of patience.
This principle is deeply personal for me. Patience is something I’m challenged with every single day. It’s not always easy, but I work on getting a little better each day.
Carlson’s words remind us that patience isn’t just about enduring delays or frustrations—it’s about cultivating a more peaceful and loving self by learning to accept life as it is.
“The more patient you are, the more accepting you will be of what is, rather than insisting that life be exactly as you would like it to be.”
Practicing patience often means opening your heart to the present moment, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s the ability to pause and recognize that in the bigger scheme of things, many of our frustrations are “small stuff.”
Carlson shares a personal story about his young daughter interrupting his writing—not to annoy him, but because she loves him. When he chooses to see the innocence in her actions, his frustration melts away. He’s reminded of the joy of having beautiful children and the fleeting nature of these moments.
As you navigate your day, ask yourself:
Can I let go of insisting that life meet my expectations and accept the moment as it is?
When faced with frustration, can I pause and look for the innocence in others’ actions?
These shifts may seem small, but they have the power to transform frustration into gratitude, bringing greater peace and connection into your life.
Let’s work together on becoming a little more patient today. Take a deep breath, reflect, and focus on the moments that bring you joy.
Have a wonderful day.
BetterCallZaal from the ZAO Team
One of the most underrated forms of self-defense in community organizing? Not making assumptions. Say what you need. Ask for what matters. Our latest ZAO reflection: https://paragraph.com/@thezao/year-of-the-zao-day-148 #ZAO
One of the most underrated forms of self-defense in community organizing? Not making assumptions. Say what you need. Ask for what matters. Our latest ZAO reflection: https://paragraph.com/@thezao/year-of-the-zao-day-148 #ZAO
gm fam – pulling today’s BetterCallZaal from the Four Agreements deck: “Don’t make assumptions.” We assume people know. Then we get mad when they don’t. Let’s drop the story and start the convo. https://paragraph.com/@thezao/year-of-the-zao-day-148 #ZAO
In a world where words are often tossed around, being impeccable with your word is revolutionary. Inspired by The Four Agreements, today’s ZAO reflection emphasizes the power of intentional speech. Explore more: https://paragraph.com/@thezao/year-of-the-zao-day-147 #ZAO
In a world where words are often tossed around, being impeccable with your word is revolutionary. Inspired by The Four Agreements, today’s ZAO reflection emphasizes the power of intentional speech. Explore more: https://paragraph.com/@thezao/year-of-the-zao-day-147 #ZAO
Good Morning and Happy Tuesday!Year of the ZAO: Day 14 Patience is a daily challenge I’m working on, and Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson provides timeless advice: Accept the moment as it is. See the innocence in others. It’s a small practice with a big impact on inner peace. Reflect with me: https://paragraph.xyz/@thezao/year-of-the-zao-day-14