There is no state of being called “trying.” ~ John Yokoyama.
- You’re taking yourself too seriously.
- You’ve become too rigid in your thinking.
- You’ve lost perspective of the big picture.
- You’re overly concerned with what others think.
- You’re pretending to be someone else.
- You’re afraid to fail.
- You’re constantly stressed.
-  You’re losing sleep.
- You’ve stopped praying for guidance.
- You’ve lost your patience.
- You’ve become angry and bitter.
- You take shortcuts to get ahead.
- You’re constantly comparing yourself to others.
- You’ve become entitled and ungrateful.
- You think you have all the good ideas.
- You’re too proud to ask for help.
- You’re either thinking of quitting or feel too invested to quit.
Robert Schumann’s first goal in life was to become a concert pianist. In order to compete with the likes of Chopin and Liszt, he over practiced and used a device meant to strengthen his fingers. Instead, he permanently damaged his right hand and his dreams of becoming a famous pianist died. Only then did he decide to become a composer. Only then did he find himself. Today he is regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic period.
If you are fortunate to catch yourself trying to the point of injury, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual, consider it a moment of grace. Stop. Think. Pray. Surrender.
If Schumann did not become himself, the world would not have known his music. Stop trying so hard. Be yourself. Don’t deny the gift you are to the world.
[…] Original Source of Article Posted with Kind Permission from Cylon George […]
I love this line, Cylon: “If you are fortunate to catch yourself trying to the point of injury,
whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual, consider it a moment of grace. Stop. Think. Pray. Surrender.”
Catching ourselves is key. Awareness, being in the moment…Simple , wonderful things (places) that are not always easy.
I appreciate your insight and sharing!
Laurie
So true Laurie! Certainly not easy. In my experience, catching myself almost always involves a moment of grace…somehow allowing me to be open in the moment. Thank you for sharing your thoughts…always appreciate it 🙂
You’ve become toO rigid in your thinking.
Typo in CAPS. You’re welcome.
Lol…wish you’d give me a chance to say thank you first 😉 Appreciate your good eye.
Thank you, Cylon,
I do recognize many of these symptoms when I had to endure an abusive job. I had little choice but to focus on simply keeping going and didn’t even notice I was going down hill.
However, even in less intense situations, we can sometimes become unbalanced and create a bit of a vicious circle – the more we focus on the ‘one important thing’ the more we have sacrificed consideration for others and our own health. The amusing thing is, once we stop (or are forced to stop), the world does not implode, we are not imprisoned/publicly humiliated/struck down by a thunder bolt. Most of what so worried us, was in our poor little heads!
Oh, well. It’s all experience. Cheers, Cylon.
Absolutely! We are our own worst enemy!! Thank you for sharing this Zara.