Bitter Root Will Always Produce Bitter Fruit.
In the past few weeks, I often found myself feeling like something was missing. See, at the beginning of this year, I set an ambitious goal for myself, hoping it would fill the void in my heart. However, as I pursued this goal, I began to feel increasingly off-kilter. It was as if I were trying to chase after two things at once, and as Confucius wisely said, "The man who chases two rabbits catches neither."
I eventually realized that my relentless pursuit had led me to a breaking point. It dawned on me that I needed to slow down and take care of my well-being. I've been spending a lot of time outdoors and seeking solitude, reflecting on where I went wrong.
I've come to understand that I had been too focused on gaining attention and growing my network in anticipation of the launch of my upcoming book in mid-September, rather than considering what my readers truly wanted. I now see the folly of my ways.
We all go through tough times, disappointments, and hurts. The presence of disappointment can have profound physical effects on our well-being, becoming the focal point of our emotions. It weighs us down, leaving us feeling heavy and drained. Our shoulders slump, our posture becomes slouched, and our energy levels plummet. The weight of disappointment can even manifest as physical pain, causing tension headaches, muscle aches, and digestive issues.
As disappointment becomes a habitual way of being, it begins to shape our outlook on life. We start to view everything through a lens of negativity, constantly expecting the worst outcomes. This negative mindset not only affects our mental and emotional state but also takes a toll on our physical health.
The constant replay of "I would never have..." or "If only I were good enough" thoughts only further intensifies our disappointment. We compare our actions, decisions, and reactions to those of others, often leading to feelings of inadequacy or bitterness. This internal struggle only adds to the physical burden of disappointment.
However, it is essential to recognize that everyone is different, and life rarely unfolds exactly as we expect or desire. Holding onto expectations and keeping scores in our relationships only perpetuates our suffering. It is like clinging to a barnacle on a ship, hindering our progress and weighing us down.
To free ourselves from the grip of disappointment, we must cultivate mindfulness and let go of attachment. Mindfulness allows us to observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment, giving us the space to acknowledge our disappointments while also finding gratitude for what we do have. Letting go of attachment means releasing our expectations and accepting that life's outcomes are often beyond our control.
By shining a light on our attachment to specific outcomes, we can begin to loosen its hold and embrace the present moment. We can redirect our energy towards nurturing healthier perspectives and fostering resilience. Instead of dwelling on disappointment, we can focus on finding joy in unexpected moments and appreciating the beauty of life's surprises.
Remember, disappointment is a natural part of being human, but it doesn't have to define us. With mindfulness and a willingness to let go, we can break free from the captivity of disappointment and open ourselves up to a more fulfilling and peaceful existence.
Allow me to conclude by saying it is essential to emphasize the significance of cultivating a profound understanding of your objectives. Once this understanding is established, applying the first principle to address challenges should take precedence over-relying on any heuristics.
When pursuing conflicting goals akin to chasing two rabbits heading in opposite directions, it becomes nearly impossible to capture either one. Conversely, if the rabbits are moving in the same direction or are running together, it is feasible to steadily capture them one by one.
In the same way, when your goals in life are aligned with each other and they are in harmony with each other, you can achieve many goals in life at the same time. For example:
However, there are some goals in life which are opposite to each other. If you achieve one, you lose the other naturally. If you try to get both, you lose both. Some examples are:
See, every decision or thought has the potential to impart our direction in life, which is why it's crucial to be intentional about what we hold on to and what we let go of. Sometimes, this means releasing things, people, and places that no longer align with our purpose.
Final thought; Are the things you're carrying helping you move forward or are they holding you back?
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Sales Director France & Northern Africa
4moAbsolutely Marcus Malesela thanks for this lovely share
Senior Manager – Customer Success & Operations | Ex. Byjus | Enhancing Customer Success | SaaS Innovation | Process Optimization | Revenue Growth Strategies
4moWhat a profound message. Disappointment is something we all face, but your perspective on mindfulness as a way to navigate through it is truly inspiring.
Financial Coach helping Diversify Your Service Business and Increase revenue by 15-20% | Build Business in Finance with Flexibility & Freedom. NO MATTER your background or experience.
4moAbsolutely! Embracing mindfulness helps turn disappointment into growth.
Author and write the weekly newsletter "The Human In You."
4moI’m Marcus Malesela, the founder and editor for The Human In You. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. I’ve spent all my life reading and studying all I can about human #psychology and practical ways to develop our #mindset and tab to our #spiritualbeing. One last thing, be on the lookout for my upcoming books. If you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on #linkedIn.
Author and write the weekly newsletter "The Human In You."
4moMany thanks for the boost Lisbeth Pyros, I hope this post today adds value to those you cherish.