Are You In Control?

Control is a double-sided sword. Angela shows us how this plays out in our daily lives.

Angela desperately craved certainty in everything she did. At work, she told colleagues how to do their job and always had the right answer. Her colleagues got frustrated that they couldn’t present their own solutions to company problems and felt boxed in by her.

At home, Angela ordered her husband and kids around like they were robots, ready to do anything at her command. They thought this was the only way to keep her happy, yet inside they called her a dictator. Angela got super mad and yelled at her kids for not putting the toys back in a certain way since the toys only fit back in a bin in a particular order. Yet the kids thought they were doing a good job for putting the toys away without being asked. The kids said, we just can’t win.

Over time, she could feel the tightness in her shoulders and every joint of her body. She even realized at night when she went to sleep her whole body was tense and contracted.

One day it all blew up. Angela was given a warning at work that most of her employees had given their notice in one week. When she discussed this with her husband, he said, well, this is how we feel at home too, here’s separation papers.

In shock, Angela took a step back.

Over the next 3 months, Angela made some major changes. She realized the only person she can control is herself. Instead of acting out in opposition, she learned to respond, not react. Angela changed her attitude from “my way or the highway” to asking others for their perspectives and their solutions. She also saved her marriage and her ability to connect with her kids.

Where can you let go of control of others or situations? Where can you regain self-control?

It’s time to gain self-control and let go of controlling others.

Wishing you an abundant, joyful and prosperous day!