Limitations

Do you ever balk at the idea that you can’t accomplish everything?  I know that I tend to become very frustrated when I am unable to do something.  Perhaps its something that requires more muscle than I have, like moving a large beam or block in the yard.  Other times its my inability to solve a problem.  It’s bad enough when its my own problem, but when others are relying on me and I’m unable to solve it, its almost impossible to accept.  Except that there’s always a point at which we must accept our limitations, isn’t there?  We will never be able to do everything.  It isn’t realistic. We all have limitations.

What do you do to help you accept your limitations?  I don’t have an answer because I’m still bad at it, even with half a century of practice.  I remain unhappy about not being able to solve my problems, the problems that plague my kids, and even those of the world.  I acknowledge that this is unrealistic, but I wish it was otherwise. 

When I get frustrated, I have learned to settle my ire by making lists of things I have been able to accomplish.  Did I move all the blocks in the backyard by myself? No, but I moved a few which helped Jim complete his project.  Was I able to solve problems for others? Not all of them, but sometimes I have been able to help.  Making those lists helps me to recognize that I have been successful at some things does help take away the sting of having limitations.  It doesn’t solve all problems, but it can at least help me know that I have done something, within the limitations of being human.

Hopefully you are not struggling with your own limitations, but if you are, perhaps this little strategy can bring you some relief as well.

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