Inside Out

Have you ever struggled with inner peace? Trying to make the inside match the outside? Justifying your behavior because of another's actions? Feeling an overwhelming sense of chaos because things you thought you had control over, you realized you had no control to begin with? I know I do. The first step is to realize that the only thing we have control over is ourselves & our reaction to situations. We can only control the controllable's in our lives. Often times it is our reaction that gets us into the feeling of chaos. As if we thought we could really do something about the situation to begin with. That's not ego driven now is it?! Bottom line is I'm not in control, God is!
We are not responsible for what another person does or does not do. What we are responsible in fact for is our expectation we set upon other's. Reminds me of the pigeon in the park. As you sit on the bench  in the park why would you expect the pigeon to not do what pigeons do?!  HHHMMM That would be a false expectation on the pigeon. Just as people! People are human beings & do what human beings do. Such is life. I have to remind myself of this all the time. Being in the dating world has opened my eyes to this in a big way. I have to realize that I set these expectations on people that maybe some cannot attain or rise up to meet. Is that fair? Would I appreciate someone setting something unattainable for me? Then why would I do it to another?! Goes back to that do unto others as you would have done unto you verse. Mistakes are what shapes us into who we are. Let go & learn from them. For regret is a waste of time & eats at our inner peace. Making it ever so much harder to attain.
In order for our inside to match the outside we must fix more than just the out. The physical appearance hides nothing, only camouflages whats really going on inside. And for some of us this is what we were taught to do. We must learn to let go of betrayal, guilt, anger, anxiety & lack of trust; these are all toxic emotions holding us back. Causing self destruction or reasons to stay "stuck". Also known as EXCUSES. Say good bye to that way of thinking to make room for healthy, positive thoughts. Allow yourself to be vulnerable to new things. Being vulnerable can be very valuable. And thus very healthy.
We are all a work in progress & must remind ourselves that if God brings us to it, he will bring us through it. Having inner peace comes from taking all these steps. Sometimes slowly & often times baby steps. But steps non the less. It is when we give up that we then fail at finding true inner peace & thus becoming whole. Being whole means the inside and the outside will match. Don't let the inner voice telling you "you can't",win. Instead tell it "Watch me"! Every ending brings a new beginning. Life is a journey! Live your life as an experiment & enjoy your journey. We only get one chance at it folks.
As always please keep all men & woman of the military in your prayers for a safe return home one day soon. As they are out there protecting our HEALTHY FREEDOMS here at home. God Bless.