We all have that one friend or family member who is just never happy. Whether it’s their job, love life, looks, or the air they breathe, they just aren’t happy.

I have been struggling with a friend like this lately. It is my nature to try to fix things when they are not working. The problem is I can’t fix my friend’s attitude. I can be supportive. I can be kind. I can continue to include that friend in social occasions and conversations, but I can no longer let myself get sucked into the constant vortex of the woe-is-me mentality. I have to free my mind from the belief that I can control someone else’s joy. It’s out of my hands; I need to stop letting it commandeer my mind.

Consider issues in your own life that are out of your control but still seem to hijack your thoughts or contentment.

Is there a situation that seems to unsettle you, but shouldn’t prevent you from being successful? Are there conditions in your life that let you down but should be the least of your worries?

“If it’s out of your hands, it deserves freedom from your mind too.”

Let’s put some Intentergy into those uncontrollable situations or apply them to the unruly limitations.

Allow these wise words to enhance your week.

If a condition or situation is out of your hands, make peace with it and let that tranquility take its place in your mind.

There are many things we can’t change in life, but we can definitely modify the impact we allow them to have on our outlook. While those issues are out of our hands and deserve to be let go, our minds and hearts are much more deserving of the freedom that comes from loosening those intractable inconveniences. Give yourself independence, as your hands aren’t tied, show your mind what it looks like to let the uncontrollable go.

Ideas for bringing freedom to your mind:

1. Pray about it.
2. Find another focus or try something in your routine that distracts from the troublesome issue.
3. Forgive. The issue probably wasn’t your fault, but sometimes we blame ourselves. Forgive yourself from allowing it to hamper or hinder you. You are only human.
4. Laugh about it. It’s okay to have a chuckle at your own expense as you move on. Laughter is notorious for setting worries free.
5. If it’s a big deal, but you don’t have the power to change the situation, consider speaking to someone who does have the power. Even if you can’t make the necessary changes, you can make peace with yourself over doing what you could.
6. Write down the thing that is bothering you. Journaling is a terrific way to address problems and get them off your chest and out of your mind. Maybe putting it to paper will also set it free from your focus.
7. Talk to your friends and family. See what uncontrollable things are bothering them. Your camaraderie might just be the therapy to help ALL of you realize if it’s out of your hands it doesn’t deserve to weigh down your minds.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. Dear friends, do not assume this post is about you personally. If you feel like you’ve been fussy for no reason, consider visiting the 7 suggested points above for freedom of mind, and know that I’m still going to be your friend.