Maturity is the capacity to withstand ego-destroying experiences, and not lose one’s perspective in the ego-building experiences.
—Robert K. Greenleaf—
Our emotional health is proportionate to our willingness to take personal responsibility for thoughtful responses to the myriad circumstances in our lives. We are not powerless over our attitudes or over behaviors, even though we are generally powerless over the events themselves. The most troubling of times need not diminish us, unless we let them. Likewise, the flavor of the most pleasurable situation retains its long life in proportion
to our willingness to assimilate the experience gradually, letting it enrich us but not overwhelm us. Overreaction to any event casts a spell over us, inhibiting our ability to perceive accurately the moments, hours, perhaps even days of experiences that follow. Finding the balance between overly emotional reactions to people and circumstances and disinterested passivity takes effort and a commitment to emotional health. And that balance is the real key to experiencing a life that’s joyful. No event need throw me today. And yet, every situation offers me a chance to practice healthy living.