WE REMEMBER NOT TO QUOTE BUT TO DO

Ir is not what happens to you but how you respond to it that matters.-- Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher 

The things we learn. Here's me thinking that quote was said by a friend of mine in a meeting some 40 years ago. No doubt he did say it, but he didn't give Epictetus credit...like me, he probably didn't know that. 

And what does it matter? Other than to enlighten us to the well-quoted fact there is nothing new under the sun. 

What matters is not how well we remember that to quote it, but how well we remember it to live it. 

I came across a note of mine written in 2012: I am learning how not to take slights, snubs and other miscommunications personally…they are not. They only become personal if and when I personally attach myself to them…respond to them…resist them.

Recently a friend and I planned to go to a two-tiered event. I said up front I was willing to go the first half hour but not the second hour of the event. She seemed a tish hesitant but agreed. 

Came the day, I got there, she wasn't there, she did not show. She called the next day wondering what happened that I wasn't at the hour-long event, and she began her explanation.

I knew, whether my suspicions were right or wrong, it's over, no permanent injury, so I  said we just had a miscommunication. If gobsmacked has a sound, she had it along with very grateful, and that was it, we went to lunch.

Being reminded of that feels good because I then recalled a few other instances where I'd held my peace. It really feels quite nice. 

From that good memory, I'm thinking we need to keep our inner "wins" active...as in ponder them....appreciate them within our self. They, too, need love...and the encouragement to do it again.

Thank you.