Acceptance. When things don’t go as planned.

MERSEACA
scale down to happiness

May 23, 2017

“Before a new chapter is begun, the old one has to be finished: tell yourself that what has passed will never come back. Remember that there was a time when you could live without that thing or that person – nothing is irreplaceable, a habit is not a need.” —Paulo Coelho

5 years ago I couldn’t imagine living anywhere other than my hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee.

4 years ago I was excited by an offer to move to a Florida coastal town to help small and large business and governmental entities in their fight to thrive following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

3 years ago I embarked on a quest to lessen my possessions and build a tiny house. I also started this very blog to document the process.

The last 3 years have been a practice in growth. They have also been an example of how everything is impermanent. Places come and go. Possessions come and go. Friends come and go. Pets come and go. Loved ones come and go.

Some say expect the unexpected. I believe we should just let go of expectations altogether. However, fear prevents us from letting go. Thich Nhat Hanh says “People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.”

When we learn how to be with our life as it is and not how we imagine it should be, we experience freedom. Freedom from fear, anxiety, anger and the such is the only path to true happiness.

Today, bring awareness to the “shoulds” you create in your mind. Notice any habitual patterns of over-thinking, worrying, or setting expectations. Start letting them melt away. Be mindful of the present moment. Notice how you feel and just take a moment to be.

Remember, life is a dance. Keep practicing and enjoy the current chapter! the-key-to-happiness-is-low-expectations-lower-nope-even-5053329 On a personal note, a new chapter is beginning for me. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill litigation is wrapping up and my job with the law firm will disappear as a result. I will be returning to work with the lawyer I originally moved to Florida to work with. Earlier this year I graduated yoga teacher training; something I have wanted to do deep down in my heart for years. I start teaching classes on a regular basis this June and would love to see you there! Many unknown adventures are ahead. However, I am enjoying everything now just as it is. This chapter is exciting!