The Tao of Doing it Anyway!

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Love them anyway. – Mother Teresa

I love this quote from Mother Teresa. A very realistic person who spoke from experiences instead of just belief. I so appreciate that position. In the above statement I find it helpful to remember I am one of those “People” the quote is referring too. I, you, and us, we are all unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered at times, and we need our own love and compassion as much as we might need others.

“Loving,” which is somewhat of a loaded word, also means to accept people for how they are in the moments you are with them. Remembering that we are all on this birth to death journey and there is nothing that will change that scenario. We all have that scared and frightened conditioned personality that craves attention, wants to be recognized, clings to wanting to be right, wants to be the winner, and will do anything to satisfy those cravings. And it’s Ok to recognize that very human need and accept that it will swing in and out of balance.

I say this a lot, but my version of loving everyone is to remember to be kind, to them and myself. We have noticed this year that life isn’t what we thought it was, that every thing can change and swing into areas never expected. Being kind, no matter what, isn’t about how people receive kindness, it’s about how you feel about yourself.

We are constantly living on the edge of, and falling into, our own future. We are all there right now. How do you want to meet your future self? How do you want to be with future others? I want to be open minded, aware of limitations, embrace our strengths, and give a little to everyone I meet. A tiny gift of a smile, a noticing of a positive attribute, being with the other person (and yourself), and always watchful of how I can add to another being’s life.

Be open to experiencing the miracle that is the core of your existence.

Bryan Wagner