Linking up with other writers today for Five Minute Friday. A flash mob of writers who write for five minutes without going back to do fancy editing. Hop on over to Kate Motaung's blog to see what it's all about. This week's prompt is "control".
Everywhere I turn I see people trying to control others by their words and actions. I've even been on the receiving end of this type of control and I know what it feels like.
It doesn't feel good.
So, why do I often find myself with the urge if not the actual actions or words coming out of my mouth trying to control a person in my circle or the events or circumstances around me? It doesn't work!! And, I know how it feels to be on the receiving end, so why would I do it?
It's ingrained I think. And you know what else? I think fear is at the root of control.
I'm afraid my expectations won't be met.
I'm afraid my needs won't be met.
I'm afraid my voice won't be heard.
I'm afraid that I won't be seen.
I'm afraid my opinion is not important so my voice might get a little louder.
I heard something recently that made a whole lot of sense. It actually came from my husband from something he learned at work.
He talked about the circle of concern and the circle of control.
There are things in life that we can be concerned about that we cannot control. Which are most things, by the way.
Then there is the circle of things I can control. Picture two circles, one inside the other. The smaller circle is the bulls eye. The circle of things we can control.
That pretty much leaves us. Our own person, ideas, faith and our being.
Simple.
*not simple. Just kidding
Blessings to you today,
Anne
Everywhere I turn I see people trying to control others by their words and actions. I've even been on the receiving end of this type of control and I know what it feels like.
It doesn't feel good.
So, why do I often find myself with the urge if not the actual actions or words coming out of my mouth trying to control a person in my circle or the events or circumstances around me? It doesn't work!! And, I know how it feels to be on the receiving end, so why would I do it?
It's ingrained I think. And you know what else? I think fear is at the root of control.
I'm afraid my expectations won't be met.
I'm afraid my needs won't be met.
I'm afraid my voice won't be heard.
I'm afraid that I won't be seen.
I'm afraid my opinion is not important so my voice might get a little louder.
I heard something recently that made a whole lot of sense. It actually came from my husband from something he learned at work.
He talked about the circle of concern and the circle of control.
There are things in life that we can be concerned about that we cannot control. Which are most things, by the way.
Then there is the circle of things I can control. Picture two circles, one inside the other. The smaller circle is the bulls eye. The circle of things we can control.
That pretty much leaves us. Our own person, ideas, faith and our being.
Simple.
*not simple. Just kidding
Blessings to you today,
Anne
I think you have a solid point about fear being at the base of control. I also see it as an over correction from our past.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post.
Dropping by from FMF. Have a beautiful day!
Thanks, Kelly! I totally agree about over correction from our past. I see that in me. I could've written a book on this! Thanks for stopping by!!
DeleteLoved reading your thoughts about control. I loved the idea of the two circles, concern and control. Helpful for me as a mother of grown children, having concerns but not over stepping and attempting to control. Thanks for your thoughts!! I'm popping over from FMF too.
ReplyDelete