“A man has to learn that he cannot command things, but that he can command himself; that he cannot coerce the wills of others, but that he can mold and master his own will: and things serve him who serves Truth; people seek guidance of him who is master of himself.”—James Allen
Self-mastery is a goal of any who seek to be “well-centered”. Self is quite likely the only thing over which we have control. We cannot change the circumstances that surround us, but we can choose how we respond to circumstances. We can choose to be shackled by conditions, or we can receive the opportunity to grow. We determine to “mold and master” our will, or we resign to be enslaved by time and chance.
In life, we have the choice to see our present situation as a burden, a challenge, or as an opportunity. Seeing our circumstance as an opportunity is the only positive, growth-favoring option.
Self-mastery begins with our morning routine. What we determine our day to be, so it will be. If we set off with thoughts that are pessimistic, fearful, and negative, we can expect that these will follow us through the day. Positive, affirming, and confident thoughts, however, lead to (extra)ordinary experiences. These lead to growth and satisfaction.
We cannot change others. We may not like where we are. We may feel as if we have no control over our circumstance. Maybe we don’t, but we do have command of ourselves. Carpe momento!!