We humans are capable of amazing feats, we are creative, and we can accomplish astounding things. Yet none of us can change the past; we can only accept it, move on, and attempt to do better next time and create a more compelling future.

The ability to absorb disappointments and setbacks, to take a licking and yet keep on ticking, to display deep resilience in the face of discouragement is one of life’s greatest skills. One key to developing resilience is to recognize when your thoughts begin to dwell on the negative, begin to drift toward replaying the event or circumstances of your misfortune, when you begin to obsess about what is beyond your control.

That is when you Catch those thoughts, Acknowledge them (what you resist, persists), then Release them and Relax! I often have an affirmation or two or three that I use to replace thoughts I wish to release: “As I learn the power of my thoughts, I release all negative thoughts.” “I release all thoughts that hurt.” “I am a Radiant Optimist, I Carry the Sun in my Pocket.” “As the fletcher whittles and straightens his arrows, so the master directs his thoughts.” “Thoughts held in mind, attract in kind.” “What I focus on expands. Release and Relax.”

Closing Quotes:

“One of the most important qualities to learn is to move on and let go. It’s really hard. It’s one of the hardest things I have had to learn, and I’m still in the process of learning. I haven’t mastered it.” – Girgor Dimitrov, tennis pro, defeated Federer in quarterfinals of 2019 US Open, lost in semis, highest ranking: #3

“What do you do when disappointment comes? When it weighs on you like a rock, you can either let it press you down until you become discouraged, even devastated, or you can use it as a stepping-stone to better things.” – Joyce Meyer, b. 1943

“If I am to meet with a disappointment, the sooner I know it, the more of life I shall have to wear it off.” – Thomas Jefferson, 1743-1826, 3rd US President

As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier