Personal Reflections-The Taking of Oneself too Serious

The most consistent question we face as a society is the question “why”.  Why people do what they do or say what they said.  What sparked them to act in any particular way?  This seems to be our primary focus in life and even though we lie to ourselves and each other about why we want to know, it peaks our curiosity each and every time.  We often lie to ourselves and others when we say we want to know to try and understand when we really mean we want to know so that we may use that same reasoning if we ever have that need.  This is quite evident in when one minute we are condemning another for their actions or lack thereof only to be caught later on not acting or acting in the very same manner.

Taking oneself far too serious is the primary reason why for any and all actions, reactions and lack of actions that transpires in our lives.  When one believe above all else that it’s their feelings, thoughts, ideas and or beliefs that are paramount and of more importance than others is taking of oneself far too serious.  If we wish to see proof of this one only has to seldom listen to the words they speak but pay very close attention to their actions.  It is quite easy to pretend to have knowledge of or be an expert of any situation but when it comes down to it that will be tested by actually performing.  A man can claim to be calm, cool and collected but in the right situation will lose his mind and control of his actions.  This flies directly in the face of being cool, calm and collected, wouldn't you agree? This person has to be in control, has to win and has to be the center of attention all the time.  Remember the sun will rise and shine each and every day God chooses it to whether you do or not.

Solution- Heed the words of Jesus Christ when he said that if worry does not add one minute to your life then why worry?  I say control those things that you can and for those things that you can’t let it go.  The only true control we have is over ourselves so do that and leave another to their journey and the task of controlling their lives.  Suggest, if you must, changes which you believe will better their lives or circumstances but guard against attempting to force them to comply with your wishes, desires or brand of living.  True understanding comes from allowing those around you to express their reasoning and justify their taking of themselves far too serious.  Look to not really what they say but closely at what they do.

Example- You’re in a hurry to get to work because you do not want to be late yet as you are driving to work, so many other drivers are impeding your progress.  Your anger builds and your frustrations can clearly be seen by those traveling on that patch of road with you.  The more they fail to drive like you, the more heated you get until finally you cannot take it anymore and have to express to them how important it is that they get out of your way.  You take yourself far too seriously thinking that you and only you are running a little late to work or have important business to do. So you fail to understand that the person you are now expressing your disappointment to or directing your anger at is really not responsible for your predicament because they were not the one who got up late.