Let It Be

I often talk to my clients about reducing their attachment to an outcome. What does this mean? We want things to turn out our way. We want what we want and we want it now. The problem with this philosophy is that if we don't get what we want we are very upset. I know this sounds as if we all operate at the level of a 5 year old, but I think we all do in certain situations.

The other issue is that many people get stuck in the belief that they will not be happy if things in their life don't turn out exactly as they want. This is a big problem because if you have lived even a little while in the world, you will find out that many times things will not go the way you want.

What should you do? Reducing attachment to an outcome means that you do what you can and then let go. There is only so much you can do in any given situation. This especially applies to trying to get other people to behave the way you want.

A good example for me revolves around my daughter's grades. She will tell you that I am a pain about her grades. And she is right. I take on too much responsibility for something that is her job. I need to lessen my attachment to the outcome of her grades. It is her life and her grades.

If you find yourself too attached to someone else's behavior try the idea of "let it be."

For a particularly touching rendition of "Let It Be", listen to Paul McCartney and company sing it during a 9-11 tribute.

Up, Up and Away

I saw about 8 hot air balloons flying high over the valley while I was out walking today. They made me smile. So that made me think about what other things make me smile. I like poppies, cats, watching my daughter play the harp, and beautiful music. It also reminded me of that song"Up, Up and Away, My Beautiful Balloon" sung by the 5th Dimension. These things all make me happy. If you don't feel happy right now, watch this video. It is from 1967 and the clothing alone is good for a laugh.



You might say that these are just small things. but that's what life is made of. You see, every day can't be what I call Disneyland Day. Disneyland Day is special and comes only once a year or so for me. I am always excited and happy about that day. But, if I am only happy on days that are extra special what happens the rest of the days? Life is made up mainly of regular days.

So if you want to feel better more often what should you do? I suggest that every day you think about 3 things that you were thankful for, or grateful for, or happy about, that happened the day
before. You could also think about things you are confident about or people who love you. All these thoughts put you in a good frame of mind and help forestall anxiety or a bad mood. Every day can't be Disneyland Day but every day can have enjoyable, pleasurable moments. Look for those moments and you will like life better.

Up, Up And Away (Digitally Remastered 1997)