HS528 T301 Assignment 3.

3 Three Theories I Have About Life By Eleanor Wend June 21, 2011 Theory #1: Life is not fair its what I do with it: This theory points me in the direction of letting go of outcomes and expectations. Whenever I am attached to an idea of fairness or a belief that I can negotiate (control) how things go I will get into trouble. My ego will take over and I become very demanding. A related component of this theory is that Control is an illusion. There are certain things I can control usually within myself, i.e. my choices, my mood or reaction, how I spend my time, what I say, what I do with what I have but as far as other people, the weather, the government and politicians, death, dying, disease and much, much more that I am powerless over in this life. Theory #2: Whatever I have left unresolved will result in my going out in life and repeating the lesson until I attain resolution or learn the lesson. This applies to all my relationships in life: family, friends, work, community, spiritually. The importance of this cannot be underestimated because the impulse to resolve unfinished business is part of the human condition. Theory #3: This state of being human is an imperfect condition and therefore the best stand to take is one of forgiveness for ourselves and others. After all we are all struggling as spiritual beings having this human experience. Rather than beat ourselves up for our flaws lets kick back and enjoy the ride; experiencing the full range of human emotions along the way! A related component of this theory is that of what I give away is what I receive. To the extent that I give of myself every day in this life am I the recipient of wondrous moments and surrounded by love. To the extent that I am selfish and withhold gifts and sharing do I lose out on the fullness of this human experience. I believe that these three theories are all the result of what others have shared with me and the trial and error of my own life path. My personal struggles with alcoholism (I am a recovering alcoholic and have been sober in AA for the past 22 years), divorce and single parenthood raising my daughter Tara by myself and the career path which has been marked by major changes in the landscape of hills and valleys. The wisdom of others has offered me a synthesis of theories and ideas to try out in my life and I am grateful for all of it. My family especially my parents influenced me in these theories with their own theories and wisdom and my Grandfather Eldon Burke was my greatest teacher. Several other teachers particularly JoAnne Troxel my high school English teacher and very dear friend and mentor profoundly influenced me with her sensitivity and insight.