We are dissatisfied when our inner expectations do not match reality.
To fix this, we have two options: either we force reality to match our expectations, or we adjust our expectations.
Forcing reality to match my expectations seems like a hopeless endeavor. There is always more to have, another life to live. With this realization, it seems much more sustainable to learn to be content with what I have.
This does not mean letting go of my plans and dreams for the future. It means letting go of the frustration of not progressing fast enough and instead to be kind to myself and see the progress I already made.
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." – Mahatma Gandhi
Reading Recommendations
What's the difference between noticing thoughts and feelings and being distracted by them?
"Andy responds to a user keen to better understand the noting technique."
Mythbuster: The Grass Is Not Always Greener on the Other Side | Psychology Today
"There is an old joke that goes something like this: Neurotics are those who build castles in the sky, psychotics move into them, and psychoanalysts charge them rent."
What I tell all new programmers
"I've been programming for over 20 years, and I've run about half a dozen introductory programming courses now. I've spent a total of around 1000 hours teaching programming. In no particular order, this is an assorted set of wisdom I say to all of my students at least once. Welcome to programming."
Weekly Mindfulness Practice
Find a surface that has some texture, like a piece of cloth. Slowly rub your hands over the surface a few times. How does the surface feel?
Then take your hands off the surface. How do your hands feel? Are they still, or are they tingling?
Finally, take the insides of your hands like a book before your eyes. Take two minutes and look at them with genuine interest. What do you see? How do they look like?
We use our hands for most physical activities but seldomly take the time to really feel into them or look at them.
End note
The “trial” for my weekly mindfulness exercise is still ongoing. How is it going for you?
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Have a great week
Simon
P.S.: If you found an article you think others might like and that fits this newsletter, I’d love it if you write me an email.