nibblet's Journal

Journal Entry for January 31, 2008 Mood

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Development of self-restraint

Boy do I need to work on this one. Not that I haven't been aware of it, i have. Usually though it's after the fact. I'm good at pointing it out in others, time to take my own inventory instead of worrying about everyone elses. The ol' make an example, not a statement.

My first objective will be the development of self-restraint. This carries a top priority rating. When I speak or act hastily or rashly, the ability to be fair-minded and tolerant evaporates on the spot. One unkind tirade or one willful snap judgment can ruin my relation with another person for a whole day, or maybe a whole year. Nothing pays off like restraint of tongue AND pen.

I must avoid quick-tempered criticism and furious, power-driven argument. The same goes for sulking or silent scorn. These are emotional booby traps baited with pride and vengefulness. My first job is to sidestep the traps. When tempted by the bait, I need to step back and think. For we can neither think nor act to good purpose until the habit of self-restraint has become automatic.

There is so much good in the worst of us,
and so much bad in the best of us,
that it behooves any of us
to find fault with the rest of us.

Hug nibblet

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Comments

Awesome entry!!!!! love the poem!

lisaannie
I'm right there in the same boat with ya...man when I snap...reason flies.....I'm trying to recognise these traits ,and avoid the traps of jumping to conclusions or thinking everything is directed at me.
We have to get "US" out of the picture,before we can be rational and thoughtfull in our responces(no easy thing for a Beeper!)Good entry.

dancingd
Well thought out and excellently spoken, heartfelt!!TY

2Fast2KeepUP
" Physician Heal Thyself "..yep.You said it all.Peace xx

Pluck
I was just talking about this with my therapist. She said I had a weak sense of self that was therefore easily threatened, so I overreact when I perceive injustice to myself or anyone I identify with.

Also, it's the hard wiring that comes with bipolar. Dysphoric hypomania. So: pills and work!

NoOneLeft