Let it be

Something I've been working on this week is "Acceptance". There's this great passage that says, "And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today."I can't tell you how this has opened my eyes this week. It's not an easy task, but I have to remember that I can't control other people and their actions. For example, today I'm trying desperately to work on some of that "supportive program for teachers" work, and my upstairs neighbors are very enthusiastic about the futbol game. I have no issue with excitement and enthusiasm over sports, anyone who has watched a Lakers, Dodgers or football game with me knows this. But to hear "Chivaaaaas, muy bien!" and "Viva las Chivas" and screams and drunken laughs interrupt my thought patterns while examining the behavioral issues of my 5th graders, well that's just frustrating. Can I change this? I can get frustrated and yell back, but that won't change their behavior. So I have no choice but to accept it. In fact, I'm even smiling at their enthusiasm, as I imagine that's what it sounds like when LT scores his touchdown or Kobe hits his 49th point of the night. And, hey, at least it's not violent screams or angry footsteps I hear but sounds of excitement.

Similarly, I have no choice but to accept that sometimes, people won't like me. Sometimes people need a break from me. And even though it hurts, and even though I don't understand it sometimes, I need to let it go. Because if I force it and push it, I won't be liked more, nor will I improve the friendship. But if I let go and accept whatever it is the universe is trying to do with this friendship, it'll work out on its own. By pushing it and pulling into my way, I won't do anything but grow resentments and distrust. Maybe in a few months I won't care that this person doesn't want my friendship, or maybe the universe will make it so that we're the best friends in the world. I don't really know, but then it's not my job to do so. My job is to accept things the way they are put in front of me. To, as John Lennon and Paul Mc Cartney wrote.."Speaking words of wisdom, Let it Be". And that job is very liberating. Thanks for letting me share. And the next time someone cuts you off on the freeway or you can't figure out why that person won't call, let this be your inspiration....

Let It Be, Lennon-McCartney

When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

And when the broken hearted people
Living in the world agree,
There will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is
Still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be.
Let it be, let it be. Yeah
There will be an answer, let it be.

And when the night is cloudy,
There is still a light that shines on me,
Shine on until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
There will be an answer, let it be.
Let it be, let it be,
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be