What is one thing you think about when you hear the word “control”? Are you picturing a video game controller? Or maybe you remember a song with that title? You may be thinking about something or someone powerful. Because for most of us, having control is power. We all have some control in life. Just we only with certain things. It is when we are faced with something we cannot control, that is the struggle.
The Power
First and foremost, we have control over ourselves. Well…kind of. In situations, we can control what we have, what we do, and how we act through the decisions we make. Like controlling what I eat, (although limited by outside forces) through the decision of where I want to go to get the food or what food from home I want to take. I can even control how I act based on the events that I am faced with. I have control of me…most of the time.
Out of Control
Unfortunately, we are constantly faced with times of no control. Too many elements that are beyond our abilities. The actions of others, the ticking of time, and so many more. And no matter how hard you try, there is no opportunity to force an alternative. Life, science, and existence are too in depth to rationally be controlled by any one person. Besides, who would want to? Think about how boring life would get if you controlled every aspect of your world. You controlled the weather, the food, the animals, and the people around you. There would be no challenges, no excitement.
Wheel of life
When I think about the word “control,” I picture a steering wheel. More like a freeway (or expressway) full of cars. Many of us drive and we know how crazy and dangerous it is on the roads these days. Behind the wheel, able to control our car while trying to get to our destination. Only to have millions of others, conditions of the roads, and the weather surrounding us. Everything that is outside our car, we cannot control.
Our freeway called life is full of unexpected “road bumps” and “extreme weather.” Life will throw trucks and motorcycles in our path. Maybe even a pothole or two. Add in some rain or snow for some excitement. And here we are controlling our little car environment, trying to stay safe.
Struggled
This past week, I have struggled to maintain an element of control. As I have mentioned before, it was time to pay attention to my health. Focusing on my physical health, I have started the work on my dental issues. I am trying to eat better lately too, to keep a hold on my weight and my appearance. Yet, there is still one area of myself I cannot control, my mind. Because this week I felt lost and hopeless. Because life altered the availability of my support system, I was faced with the fight of my thoughts…alone.
Too many thoughts to control
Our mind and our thoughts are the areas of ourselves that so many of us cannot control. The ability to decipher what is true and what is false becomes too difficult at times. My support system also leads very busy lives. I was fighting against thoughts of being unwanted and unneeded for so long. The thoughts became feelings. The immense feeling of being alone in the world no matter who or what was around me. These people have always been my rock in the times I really needed them. I know, deep down, they would be there still. But for me it felt like a little time away was too much time.
The power back
Control of our actions and our beliefs are easy to maintain. But having control of our thoughts and our feelings seems to be the hardest for most. Only through understanding, guidance, and support will that control strengthen. You cannot control others, only ourselves. And I don’t know about you, but that is hard enough for me to do some days.
I hope you enjoy this video.
With great warmth,
