“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge.” -Charles H. Spurgeon
Someone recently asked me in an interview why I choose to revisit ancient wisdom in my writing. I responded that there is very little new wisdom; there are just new ways of understanding and applying what we already know.
That’s not always so easy to do. We have an amazing ability to drown out our inner guidance with worries, stresses, fears, and judgments.
If you find yourself doing that today, take a deep breath and remember:
It’s okay to be down sometimes. Once we accept and understand how we feel, we can discover what we need to do to feel better.
It’s okay to feel lost and confused. Acknowledging this is the first step to finding direction and clarity.
It’s okay to make mistakes. So long as we learn and grow from them, it’s the same as making progress.
It’s okay to disagree. This is how we learn to honor our values and priorities without negating someone else’s.
It’s okay to feel terrified. Feeling scared and uncomfortable is often a sign we’re doing what we really want to do.
It’s okay to enjoy this moment, even if you have things to accomplish. There will always be more to do—this is much is guaranteed. Time beyond this moment is not.
It’s okay to take time for ourselves. We are the only ones who can recharge our minds, bodies, and spirits.
It’s okay to struggle with all of these things. Peace is accepting that we are imperfect, and doing the best we can with what we know right now.
Photo by erix
About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.
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Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine.
Wow. Perfectly stated.
I discussed the idea of being “Perfectly Imperfect” with my friend and former Teacher last night over dinner….it’s not only ok….it’s beautiful.
Thanks for doing what you do Lori.
You’re most welcome. Thank you Tim. =)
Sigh for goodness. I needed to hear these words today, a day of disagreement and anger and frustration. I got a bit bogged down in all of that, but when I read your post, I started to feel that all that emotion is really okay. Really okay. Great, actually!
My favorite part of the writing was about feeling uncomfortable. That’s the feeling of growth, that we are on the path of doing what we want to do.
Thank you for this gift!
You’re most welcome Marion! I hope your weekend is off to a beautiful start. =)
Lori,
This is such great advice. We hear so much about being positive sometimes we need to be reminded that it’s okay to experience our other feelings. We also need to hear that “this too shall pass.” Try to find something to be joyful and grateful for in every day and you will treasure every moment.
Yes absolutely Angela! I’ve found that the more I resist my feelings, the more difficult it is to move past them.
Dosen’t get better then that….Well said …..thank you !!!
🙂
I remember when I was deciding if I would take the leap into becoming a hospice volunteer. Frankly, I was scared . . . scared of death and being around all of that pain and sadness. I talked about this with the chaplain of the center and he said the perfect words – “Actually, I would be more worried if you weren’t feeling scared. This could be very important work for you.” I am so thankful for those words and that reminder to pay attention to what makes us uncomfortable as a sign that we are living. Volunteering at hospice has been incredibly rewarding and a learning experience I would not have had if I had succumbed to my fears.
Bravo Hilary Conway ! ! !
That’s wonderful Hilary! I bet it’s really rewarding to do what you do.
Wonderful post Lori.
I love this: “It’s okay to feel terrified. Feeling scared and uncomfortable is often a sign we’re doing what we really want to do.”
It was a nice dose of reassurance on a day it was greatly needed.
Thanks Ashley. I’m glad this helped!
I didn’t just enjoy this post. I loved it.
I’m glad you enjoyed it Marsha. =)
It’s amazing how much a deep breath can accomplish. Thanks for this. 🙂
You’re most welcome!
“There are no coincidences in life. Only moments of raised awareness.”
This week I started reading Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth and one of the main ideas of the book is acceptance. Being still, being present, being aware…Stop resisting And now I read this…I just love the way I’m looking at things now that I’m more aware and willing to accept…and I’m just getting started.
Thanks for the beautiful post.
Hi Melisa,
A New Earth is a great place to start and finish……..Just like the Buddha’s, Eckhart’s message is simple.
All the best for your journey!
You are most welcome! I have been meaning to read that book for a long time. So thank *you* for that reminder!
Just – THANK YOU!
You’re welcome Julie!
Another great post, Lori. It’s getting spooky how much you’re in my head. I expressed exactly the same sentiments today in a post on Austin Fresh about people who are want to make the switch to real food and realize how daunting it is. Hint: it’s not an overnight job. Thanks as always for sharing yourself. xo Pam
You’re welcome Pam. I’m grateful for the chance to do it.
I particularly like the phrase “it is okay to enjoy this moment even if there are things to accomplish”. Sometimes, I can get sucked into various activities that I “need” to do. With a bit of mindfulness, I can be more aware of my thoughts and to make a decision then, rather than reacting to my thoughts immediately.
That’s one I work on as well! I sometimes feel like I “should” be doing more. Then I remember, the whole point is to enjoy myself (I believe) and I deserve to do it!
Thanks Melissa. No coincidences but there is synchronicity that I find jolts me into raised awareness. Tolle’s Power of Now & New Earth have contributed much to my sense of self awareness and acceptance.A powerful influence & deepening of understanding of the dharma. Thank you for sharing your insight and experience. Life is an amazing journey is it not? Mountains and valleys. White waters and deep stillness. Hidden whirlpools & exciting waterfalls……..sometimes. Be safe. Be well and know much loving kindess
BRAVO!!
Simple… yet meaningful! 🙂
Thank you for this gentle reminder! Let’s all strive to live our best life 🙂
You’re most welcome!
Brought tears to my eyes,Lori.I needed to hear every word I just read.Bless you on your journey.
I’m glad this was helpful to you Debra. Bless you on your journey as well. =)
Thank you for posting this. Peace!
You’re most welcome!