Lack of control can be frustrating
Isn’t it funny how when life gets chaotic, it seems to get chaotic at the same time?! I mean, sure, this blog will rant about some happenings in my life, but it will offer some perspective as well.
I found out recently that a friend of mine from JROTC passed away. He was 21. It is absolutely heart-wrenching that someone so young could be taken from this world. It is even more heart-wrenching to know that three of my high school friends have passed away since I started college. ALL three of their deaths could have been prevented.
So what are my thoughts? I suppose there are two. The simple would be that we will face challenges. The complex would be accepting that many situations are out of our control.
I know that every challenge I face, I face for a reason; to become a stronger individual. I do not mean that life is a contest of interpersonal strength, but rather that these experiences help us to grow as individuals. We will often find defining characteristics about ourselves as we face these hardships. We have to realize that we cannot let bad situations stop our lives or stop us from reaching our goals. Therefore, never stop striving, despite your situation.
The complex thoughts are more difficult. I know that I love being in control. I love having a plan and I really dislike having to deviate from my plans. So what happens when these people that I know are suddenly stolen from the world? Well, I become quietly anxiety ridden (I think that is how I would explain it…). I become distracted then frustrated…because I am distracted!
Why do we love control so much? I know I am not the only one who values being in control, but I may be one of the few to openly admit such. I do not think that control is such a bad thing. But when control becomes the center of our lives, we inhibit change. “If you can’t control your peanut butter, you can’t expect to control your life,” said Bill Watterson. He is a wise man.
To gain control of our lives, we need to accept that we can barely control anything. We can work hard and choose to behave in a certain way, but we cannot dictate the results. We cannot decide when good things will happen or when bad things will happen. We can choose to embrace whatever is thrown our way, though.
In summary, I reflect back to an older blog. Change is not to be feared. I am willing to bet that all of the changes that have been made in your life are due to changes within yourself. And guess what? You probably did not control those changes, either. Till next time, Stay classy, BG!