Stretching Our Mind

Flexibility. I think that's the key to happiness. Or close to it. Sure makes life a whole lot easier to handle anyway.

We can't stay stuck on rituals, plans, expectations, old habits, or we run the chance of being bumped around by life and the many curve balls that come our way.

Here's a perfect example. The other day, Andree cleaned the utensil drawer and changed where the knives, forks, and spoons where placed. Who cares and why should it matter, right?

Well, it messed me up. I am used to opening the drawer and grabbing what I use most often and that used to be at the front of the drawer but now it's way at the back and the only way I can reach it is to open the drawer all the way out.

Big hairy deal right? Well, I grumbled a little and in a frustrated kind of way blurted out, "Geez! I can't find anything anymore."

Andree, on the other hand, likes to maintain order in the fridge. Leftovers go on a certain shelf, vegetables on another, and so on and so forth. Then I come along, open the fridge and put things wherever there's an open spot and is most convenient.

Drives her bananas and I can't figure out what the big deal is and why it matters.

Those are the little things we need to let go of, compromise on, or be flexible about. Flexibility is the key. 

I read this statement by Madisyn Taylor yesterday. "Flexibility is the capacity to bend without breaking, as well as continual willingness to change or be changed in order to accommodate new circumstances."  

Now isn't that a mouthful and something we should all be striving for? Do that and say goodbye to a lot of grief, anger, resentment, bitterness, and feeling like our nose is out of joint. Say hello to spontaneity, laughter, new opportunities, experiences and surprises instead. Now that's the stuff I thrive on.

One, two, three, stretch............