What I want, what is important to me, and when I want whatever I think is important — is quite likely different from what, when and how important another may identify the same or other things to be. How we handle our differences is what I call our “individual respective sense of urgency” and it defines our level of tolerance. ✨

While toleration is usually associated with big-picture themes, it is actually a moment-by-moment choice whereby we allow, permit or accept any action, idea, object or person which we might dislike or disagree with. So, while we might first think about our ability to tolerate in terms of people, it encompasses our ability to cope with little things, too: Time on hold when we’re trying to get through to someone; computer crashes; traffic; grocery store lines and so forth. ✨

Our tolerant nature (or not) is put to the test almost daily. Being intolerant about anything or anyone adds stress to our lives and possibly also hurts others, who may be experiencing the side-effects of our stress. Ultimately, being intolerant is an unhealthy trait for all impacted. ✨

So how do we become more tolerant and increase our skills of tolerance? ✨

First, we need to really internalize the meaning of the first sentence of this essay. ✨

Second: We need to work on becoming better at Identifying what, who and when – within any given situation – is within our control, or not. The quicker we identify either: A) X Is in our control or B) X Is not in our control — the easier it is move our mood back into a more groovy state. ✨

Ultimately, we become happier, less stressed and more satisfied with our lives when we focus on ourselves and what is within our control or not— instead of focusing on what others are or are not doing as it relates to our wants, needs, time and perspective. ✨

That’s what I’m thinking about.

I’m @DianGriesel aka a perception analyst & strategist, creative attitude disrupter, author of The Silver Disobedience Playbook & TurboCharged: The Silver Disobedience Edition, and the blogger and model known as @SilverDisobedience  More info on my websites (search my name) and at Wilhelmina Models. Silver Disobedience® is a Registered Trademark.