It seems like the Portuguese rule of “just wait one more day” might be the easiest way to let your mind rest and tackle how to solve the problem tomorrow.
True. And it takes a bit of self-control to wait until that tomorrow and when tomorrow comes, look at the challenges with fresh eyes and renewed energy to find solutions.
One of the things I appreciated most about this piece is the distinction between accepting a lack of control and giving up. Those two ideas are so often confused, yet they couldn't be more different. Acceptance isn't passive, it's simply recognising the point at which we've done everything that is ours to do. Beyond that, continuing to worry doesn't move the process forward, it only drains us. And I especially loved your final thought: there really is a difference between waiting and waiting forever. Knowing when to keep faith in the process and when to create a new path isn't a sign of defeat, It's an act of self-respect, wisdom, and quiet courage.
Thank you for another thoughtful and beautifully written reflection.
Exactly, Ana. It's so easy to feel defeated sometimes when things we feel should be in our control simply are not. That doesn't mean we need to throw up our hands and say "woe is me." It means we put energy into what we can control. Over the years I've learned that so much of life is not about what the world throws our way. It's how we respond to it, whatever it may be. Sometimes, changing course is the best course.
It seems like the Portuguese rule of “just wait one more day” might be the easiest way to let your mind rest and tackle how to solve the problem tomorrow.
True. And it takes a bit of self-control to wait until that tomorrow and when tomorrow comes, look at the challenges with fresh eyes and renewed energy to find solutions.
One of the things I appreciated most about this piece is the distinction between accepting a lack of control and giving up. Those two ideas are so often confused, yet they couldn't be more different. Acceptance isn't passive, it's simply recognising the point at which we've done everything that is ours to do. Beyond that, continuing to worry doesn't move the process forward, it only drains us. And I especially loved your final thought: there really is a difference between waiting and waiting forever. Knowing when to keep faith in the process and when to create a new path isn't a sign of defeat, It's an act of self-respect, wisdom, and quiet courage.
Thank you for another thoughtful and beautifully written reflection.
Exactly, Ana. It's so easy to feel defeated sometimes when things we feel should be in our control simply are not. That doesn't mean we need to throw up our hands and say "woe is me." It means we put energy into what we can control. Over the years I've learned that so much of life is not about what the world throws our way. It's how we respond to it, whatever it may be. Sometimes, changing course is the best course.