Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

A deckchair on the lawn overlooking a calm, clear sea; a mug of tea squatting in the grass by my feet; a light breeze whisking through the palm trees; local kids playing among the fishing boats ; a couple of old men perched on an upturned boat, smoking, staring out to the horizon.

I have brought my book, an old favourite that takes my imagination swooping back to grey London streets and dowdy old bookshops, but it lies unregarded on my lap as I relax on this lush tropical island in the Pacific Ocean. The real story is out there, amongst the children, the fishing boats, and the peaceful blue sea. A moment to exhale…

In such soothing surroundings it is hard to imagine why, once I return to the city, that sense of peace will probably evaporate in a cloud of pollution and frustration. The heat, the traffic, the crowds and my innate short fuse will sap my reserves of patience faster than you can say ‘for a while ma’am.’

While usually a glass half full kind of person, I will suddenly find the glass has tipped upside down and looks half empty, and my sense of humour will fade and vanish as the humidity compresses my brain. Mere nothings niggle and nip at my heels, and I know I will find myself all too often clenching my teeth on sharp words and impatient responses.

So this new year, 2013, I am making a firm resolution,  and committing to a personal goal to change a bad habit I have unexpectedly developed. I will improve my efforts to recognize the small joys of every day life and I will try not sweat the small stuff. I will learn to be patient and calm and keep my sense of humour on the top of the laundry basket instead of buried beneath all the dirty washing. I will attempt to imitate the French woman I saw recently who, when she could not achieve what she wanted, smiled self-deprecatingly, cried ‘oo la la!’ and wandered off with a gallic shrug of her shoulders. Her approach reminded of that lovely prayer:

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

 I love the word serenity.  The dictionary defines serenity as a disposition free from stress or emotion; the absence of mental stress or anxiety; steadiness or peace of mind. The thesaurus suggests synonyms such as: tranquility, placidity, repose, quiet, calm, composure, equanimity. I do wish I could boast any or all of these traits.

For those of you who do, I am both proud of you and envious. And please have you got any tips for a person with lighter fluid instead of blood in their veins?