I grow more patient with myself and others everyday.

My tolerance for myself and others grow every day because I let go of unrealistic expectations.

I am accepting and lenient with myself and I continue to be more patient every day by simply living in the present and letting go of the impossible. My acceptance and leniency of others has improved in the same way by letting go of the expectations I hold for them.

When I create impossible expectations of myself or others, I am setting us all up for failure. Having intense expectations is my mind’s attempt to control the uncontrollable. By letting go of the need to control I can let go of my expectations and simply be me.

I focus, instead, on experiencing what unfolds in my life from a fresh viewpoint. I am prepared for all life brings my way without setting limitations. Focusing on enjoying the journey allows me to be more patient and accepting and, therefore, more loving and understanding. In this way, I can expand my love for myself as well as my love for others.

Today I will focus on living in the moment. Life will unfold around me as it does every day, but today, I will enjoy each moment with a sense of wonder and peace.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Have I created unrealistic expectations for myself?
2. Have I created expectations for others?
3. How can I focus on living my life in the moment?

I appreciate new things in my life.

When I look around at all of the people and resources in my life I am grateful. I feel blessed because I have special people in my life that care about me and whom I care for as well. The people in my life are treasures to me.

I have all the necessities in life including a safe space, food, and clothing. Beyond the necessities I enjoy extra things in my life including the gift of technology, books, and hobbies that bring me great enjoyment.

There will always be people who have more stuff than I, but stuff is just stuff. Instead of dwelling on what I might not have, I focus on the wonderful gifts I do have and I appreciate them even more.

I have a fulfilling life full of people and property that bring great value to me. By keeping my focus on the many gifts and joys in my life, I am able to appreciate new things at a much deeper level.

Today I look at all the people and all the things in my life and I individually appreciate each one. I cherish the good in my life and I am thankful. I am blessed with a beautiful life and, today, I show my gratitude.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Who are the people in my life I am appreciative of?
2. What special things in my life am I thankful for?
3. Have I focused more on what I have, instead of what others have?

Situations do not control me.

I am actively engaged in the course of my life because I know that situations do not control me. Sometimes circumstances do occur unexpectedly and often in ways other than what I might have wished. However, how I respond to those circumstances is up to me.

I look at the situations in my life objectively. I have outgrown the need to respond impulsively to stressful situations. Instead, I allow myself to take a step back and analyze circumstances to decide on the best course of action.

While I am an adult and I make my own decisions, I am open to the insights of others. I keep myself connected to others because I am fully aware that I will always have much to learn about life. I embrace the input of those who can teach and guide me into making healthy choices.

No one, however, makes my decisions for me. I am where I am because I choose to be here. If I stay here, it is my choice and I do so with an open mind and heart, yet I remain eager and ready to soak in everything I can from my current place in history.

If I decide that this situation is unhealthy or unsuitable for me, I move on. I let go of the need to blame my unhappiness on my circumstances or on others. Blame has never solved my problems. I am free to change my circumstances if, after mature reflection, I decide that doing so would be my best course of action.

Questions of Reflection:

1.    Am I accepting responsibility for my own happiness?
2.    Are there situations in which I have allowed myself to be a victim rather than taking charge of my own destiny?
3.    Is there a situation in my life that needs to be altered? What is the first step I need to take to do so?