Get It Together

Isn't "NOT controlling the things you can" kind of the same as "being out of control"? And by "can" do you mean "should"? I don't see your point, I'm sorry.

Isn't it strange the things that we think about when we are in our cars. I couldn't agree more about organization and the need for being related to "control issues." I was actually discussing this issue with a male client today. He was talking about his wife noting her need for "organization" around the same time we were discussing the real need of "control." I also think of the importance in noting anxiety in all of this mess.

Not controlling things you can control isn't being "out of control" in the wild crazy way we think of that phrase. Sometimes it just means you neglect to take charge in those areas of your life.

As for "should" you take charge of them, my belief is that human beings are happier when they are steering their own ships as much as possible. So according to my value system, I do believe we should be proactive in every area of our lives where we would like to see improvement or change.

My whole point in my blog post is that when we choose to try to control the things we simply CAN'T (other people for example), it causes us stress and depletes the energy and power we have to control the things we CAN control, which in turn can make our lives better in those areas.

I hope that helps clarify things.
~Monica

I've always thought that people who were really disorganized, chronically late, unprepared, etc. were actually attempting to exert control over their worlds, albeit in a rebellious fashion.

Anyone agree?

Kelli, I totally agree. While I would never say it's true of all disorganized, chronically late people, I do think there is a grain of truth in that concept for many people.

I do believe that being disorganized, late, unprepared, etc. can be a way to passive-aggressively control others, or rebel against the control of other individuals or organizations.

~Monica

Disorganized people are less than organized people, obviously (oh, wait, you can't hear sarcasm through the internet). Some people can live without complete control of their surroundings and be content. I find it disgusting that "those disorganized people" have become people who need help and are shamed.

Sometimes people who are chronically late are just, in fact, people who have some time management issues, and who aren't trying to ruin YOUR plans/day/meeting, etc.