Not Sweating the Small Stuff

I am reading Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff by Richard Carlson. I ordered online and received it in the mail yesterday, and am already 43 pages into it. I can't put it down! I did not have high expectations but from reading the title, I knew it would be helpful in my life. I tend to over analyze some things, over exaggerate the other, and not focus on what is really important in my life. By doing this, I cause so much extra stress which could be eliminated by just changing my attitude, and focusing on others rather than the pity needs of myself.

I have already learned such great life lessons, which are so plain and simple, yet can make a profound difference on my life and how I perceive the world, and all of the little daily stresses.

In the introduction Carlson explains why he decided to write this book from the advice he was given from Dr. Dyer:
"Richard. There are two rules for living in harmony. #1) Don't sweat the small stuff and #2) It's all small stuff...Love, Wayne"

Though this advice is simple, and straight to the point it can make a profound difference on people's lives, I already know this book has had an impact on me. There are 100 chapters, and I am on chapter 15 and have been able to apply the advice from each chapter into my life. These are the chapters I have read so far,

1. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
2. Make Peach with Imperfection
3. Let Go of the Idea the Gentle, Relaxed People Can't be Superachievers
4. Be aware of the Snowball Effect of Your Thinking
5. Develop your Compassion
6. Remind Yourself that When you Die, Your "In Basket" Won't be Empty
7. Don't Interrupt Others or Finish Their Sentences
8. Do Something Nice for Someone Else-and Don't Tell Anyone About it
9. Let Others Have the Glory
10. Learn to Live in the Present Moment
11. Imagine that Everyone is Enlightened Except You
12. Let Others be "Right" Most of the Time
13. Become More Patient
14. Create "Patience Practice Periods"
15. Be the First One to Act Loving or Reach Out

Chapter Eleven really stuck out to me, because it directly affect how I view other people, and my role as a leader. Carlson goes on to say that perhaps everyone, (let me emphasize this) EVERYONE, you meet are all here to teach you something, whether it is patience, respect, humility, anything! As a leader, sometimes I saw that I should be doing everything for other people as well as teaching them if I was in that position, but now I can see the big picture. Those you lead can teach you something, everyone you meet can teach you something. In life we are supposed to learn and grow, so we should learn something from everyone we meet, and viewing life through this perspective creates more love and compassion for everyone you come in contact with, and in turn makes us more Christlike.