No matter how hard I try to organize, simplify and structure my life for accuracy and efficiency, I never reach the “aha moment”. Life is complicated, as Scott Peck points out in his bestselling book The Road Less Traveled, one of my favorite reads.

Relationships are complicated; parenting is difficult; business is an ongoing challenge. Running a household with all the moving parts of finance, maintenance, shuffling (taxi service) kids around (if you fall into that category) and somehow squeezing in a social life. Yes, life can be complicated. Top that off with taking care of oneself. Achieving optimum health feels like a full-time job. Commitment to daily routines of meditation, exercise, eating right, visits to our health care practitioners, serving others. I could go on and on, and I’m sure you could add in a few lists of your own. When I look at this on paper, I already feel exhausted. “Time (as the say) takes time.”  

So, how do I get from where I am to where I want to be? I believe, in part, the key is my inner thinking. Do I give myself points for what I have accomplished, or do I beat myself up for what I did not accomplish? Do I ever give myself a break and express self-compassion and lighten up on myself? Have I ever considered being my best cheerleader rather than my biggest critic? 

We do a lot, but do we acknowledge it, pat ourselves on the back and take a humble bow for all that we contribute? For all the small, but necessary, tasks we do, for the time and sacrifices we make for ourselves, our families and others, should we not look within and acknowledge our worth? I think we should.  

Self-compassion, forgiveness and acceptance go hand-in-hand.  When we add in a positive attitude and positive thinking, life is less difficult.

In peace, love and laughter,

Joe Dunne

Publisher