Already Settled

"I get out my work and have a show for myself before I have it publicly. I make up my own mind about it - how good or bad or indifferent it is. After that the critics can write what they please. I have already settled it for myself so flattery and criticism go down the same drain and I am quite free." - Georgia O'Keeffe, artist

This is such freedom - to be able to let go of the need to be flattered and not criticized. My human needs tend to get in the way sometimes and I struggle when I feel like someone is criticizing my efforts in any particular endeavor.

I have been reading a book called "The Gathering" by Rev. Jim Rosemergy and I'm learning how to ask God to relieve me of my human needs and to simply yearn and strive for a connection with Him every day. Rev. Rosemergy is a Unity minister and the book has helped me tremendously. I'm praying on a regular basis, using the Gathering format, and I'm finding a deeper sense of peace and serenity the longer I use it.

I've found that I need to accept the fact that I am human. Once I accept that, I can take the other steps - the steps that allow me to connect with a power greater than myself. That power comes from the God of my understanding. As I connect with God, I'm blessed with the strength and the courage to forgive others as well as myself. My spirituality has blossomed as a result of following this prayer practice on a daily basis.

The best approach for me is to let go of the need to please other people, just as is described in the quote above. The best approach for me is to remain faithful to helping others and let go of the results. God's in charge of the results. He's much better at that than I am.