It is Friday and it is beautiful and sunny outside! I love it! It wasn’t until shortly after I moved here that I developed a true appreciation for sunshine. We get a lot of sun out in CA and my theory is that maybe people on the East Coast seem “meaner” because they don’t get as much sun. =X I’m pretty sure there is some scientific study backing that up somewhere…
But more than that, today I’m really excited because today marks the start of my meditation course! I’m going to attend a full weekend retreat of learning meditation techniques. I’ve been under a lot of stress recently and I haven’t handled it in the best way–I tend to worry and get overwhelmed easily, and it’s been taking a toll on me.
There is a principle by Stephen Covey that I wholly agree with: the 90/10 principle. (I think I may have first learned of it years back when AOL was in and you got crazy chain emails every other hour telling you to fwd the chain or die.. This one I actually read). Basically what it says is:
“10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react.”
In other words, you do not have control over 10% of what happens in your life. However, what you can control how you respond to that 10%. Hey maybe in the morning you spilled some coffee on your shirt. You can go on a cussing spree, get pissed off, storm home to change, and let it affect your mood thereafter. Or, you can laugh about it, brush it off, address it quickly and go on with your life.
Of course, this is easier said than done. My exact issue – I’ve been letting the stress overcome me. Good news is I am aware of this and realize I have the power to change and deal with stress more effectively. And from here on out, I’m on a mission to improve the way I react to stress and follow the 90/10 principle!
I am hoping the meditation course will help give me guidance teach me good practices on maintaining a calm and positive outlook when it comes to responding to life’s day to day stresses. I’m looking forward to it and I will be sharing what I learn in future posts!
cheers to well-being 
I love the 90/10 rule too! Its actually a signature tagline on my personal emails. Had no idea it was credited to Steve Covey. The quote I’m familiar with is Lou Holtz’s : ‘Life’s 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it’. I love your blog by the way!
thanks!! i love your blog too!! I’ve always thought it was Steve Covey, thanks for the heads up. Either way, it’s such a great quote to live your life by!
Isn’t that so true. How can we build in to our daily lives a littel reminder so we never fall into the trap. I guess reading blogs is a GREAT way to stay positive!
Reblogged this on abysmalfitness.
This is a great little quote. So very true. It’s really hard to remember sometimes. Like currently I have limited mobility from an ankle injury, but I just watched a movie where people lives were way harder than mine! Perspective!
@rachel thanks for stopping by… yes its really hard to remember especially when times are rough. but youre so right – it’s important to put your problems into perspective and realize how lucky we are, even in our difficult times. 😀
maybe 70/30?? lol
Wonderful quote and I agree! Awesome post
Thanks! 🙂 i love your pictures btw!
Aw thank you! Means a lot!
This inspires me! I’ve been having a rough couple of months at work and it’s getting to me. I’m going to take control back with my 90%, starting right now. Thanks for the reminder!
You’re welcome. Yes you own the 90%!!! 😀
Thank you so much for stopping by, it really means a lot! =)
I forgot about Covey’s 90/10, but I love it. Thank you so much for the reminder. It is so true.
You’re welcome. I really like your blogs btw and find the tips very helpful, started following you- looking forward to keeping up 🙂