Letting go means we stop trying to force outcomes and make people behave. It means we give up resistance to the way things are, for the moment. It means we stop trying to do the impossible-controlling that which we cannot-and instead, focus on what is possible-which usually means taking care of ourselves. And we do this in gentleness, kindness, and love, as much as possible.
Melody BeattieYou don't blast a heart open," she said. "You coax and nurture it open, like the sun does to a rose.
Melody Beattie...Help me let go of my need to stay immersed in negativity. I can change the energy in myself and my environment from negaยญtive to positive. I will affirm the good until it sinks in and feels real. I will also strive to find one quality that I like about someone else who's important to me, and I will take the risk of telling him or her that.
Melody BeattieWe need to build downtime into our lives, so that we can have solitude without feeling overcome with guilt.
Melody BeattieWants and needs are closely connected. And all our needs, even the ones we're not completely aware of yet, will be met. Be grateful that God knows more about what we need than we do. Sometimes when we pray, we get what we want. Sometimes we get what we need. Accept both answers-the yes's and the something else's-with heartfelt gratitude. Then look around and see what your lesson and gift is.
Melody BeattieBoundaries emerge from deep within. They are connected to letting go of guilt and shame, and to changing our beliefs about what we deserve. As our thinking about this becomes clearer, so will our boundaries. Boundaries are also connected to a Higher Timing than our own. Weโll set a limit when weโre ready, and not a moment before. So will others. Thereโs something magical about reaching that point of becoming ready to set a limit. We know we mean what we say; others take us seriously too. Things change, not because weโre controlling others, but because weโve changed.
Melody Beattie