Pay Attention

If something doesn't seem right, then it probably isn't. This nutty world we all live in requires that we pay attention to that inner voice we all possess. Where others fail us, the inner voice won't. Even if it just means that we take a second look at something, paying attention results in acting with intention instead of only reacting with emotion.

We need to surround ourselves with all things positive. It's too easy to become caught up in all the negative energy that continually flows around us. When we do, it's hard to see what's really going on. And it's all too easy to become passive/aggressive and claim the victim role.

Although it's easy to blame others for our circumstances, it's best to look inward for answers, even when others are clearly involved or responsible. Awareness is key to understanding how it is we find ourselves in the messes that we do. We participate in life, whether we admit that or not. We have far more choices than we'd like to believe. We say we have no choice when the reality is that we just don't like the consequences of that choice.

Also, we need to discern the difference between fighting a winning battle and a losing one. That's where awareness comes in again - understanding that fighting a losing battle is all about negative energy. It's seductive and self-reinforcing when we become the martyr in any situation. We like the attention it gives. Self-righteousness for it's own sake is only destructive and doesn't solve anything. Instead, we should focus on what's real instead of engaging in magical thinking which gives rise to martyrdom.

So, back to the inner voice... It may not be precise, or exact. But anytime the red flags go up in our psyche, we need to look further and if need be, make the hard choices. That way, we potentially retain more control over the impossible situations we often find ourselves in. And sometimes, that's the best we can do.