Tip #4...

Know that you are not alone!

Nope! No matter what you go through, whether with your husband, kids, friends, co-workers, family, etc. you should know that you are not alone.

Knowing that a friend is going through the same things we are often helps us get through things differently. It reminds us that we are not alone in this cold world, that the universe (or Satan, really) doesn't have something against only us.

This leads to Tips #5 & 6.
Next Post: Just that, tip #5.

Tip #3...

Expect little or nothing.
I'm sure you've heard the famous quote, "If you expect nothing, you're apt to be surprised." This deep little bit of insight to life's obscurities can help toughen up your frail emotions--more so than you can imagine.

Think of all the people who have let you down. (Please note: I'm not encouraging any grudges). People fail each other all the time, we're merely human. You've let a lot of people down too. Now, they let you down clearly because you expected something from them. That's an easy problem to solve. Expect little or nothing.

I say 'little or nothing' because there are expectations you simply cannot avoid. However unnecessary, you will require certain things from your husband or loved ones. But, if your expectations of others are minimized, their failures won't phase you so as to scar your spirit/emotions/heart.

When others do exceed your very minimal anticipations, let them know how much you truly appreciated them for it. If they don't even meet your smallest needs, try again. Don't give up on all of your trust and hope.

Tip #4: Next Post...

Tip #2...

Agnize that you are not the center of the universe.
The world does not revolve around you. The sooner you learn that painful truth, the happier you'll be. As someone who used to think she was God's gift to the world, I know this is a tough one to come to grips with.

This is important because when things go wrong as they will, you need to know that things don't have to happen the way you want them to. When life's shortcomings smack you in the face, it's okay. While you may be special to God and your loved ones, which include a lot of people, you mean nothing to the rest of the world. That may sound a little rough, but think about it...

Tip #3: Next Post.

How to Toughen Up! Tip #1...

The last post led me to this. A (very close) kin always asks, "How do you do it? How do you just not care? How can you be so cold-hearted?"

I will attempt to share a few personal tips over the next few weeks, though I doubt they are anything uncommon.

Tip #1: Don't ever take anything personally.
This may be the hardest thing to understand as people are under the impression that most everything in life is a matter of personal issue.

When anyone does anything wrong to you, don't take it personally. Always remember, it's not your problem that a person is the way he is. It's theirs. Ultimately, it's between him and God. Each person is accountable for his actions.

This, I believe, originated from my conceited heart. Though I must say, it has saved me a LOT of grief. I used to think that I was--well--perfect, and everyone around me had problems. However, I've come to realize that I have flaws, but so does everyone around me. We all have problems, they're just different.

Tip #2: Next post...

Toughen up, Ladies!

I want all of you married ladies to think back to the last day you cried your husband to sympathy. The last day he saw those tears in your eyes, and was so moved by compassion, that he overwhelmed you with his emotions and the ability to soothe your pain.

Ahh yes, the days of old--when one measly tear overpowered the situation at hand. Whether he had done or said something to hurt you, or it was something else that brought you the unbearable pain, he held you back to comfort.

Okay, now ladies, wake up! Those days are gone--never to return. You have got to come to grips with reality. Either you toughen up or die a slow, painful, sorrowful death. Okay, it may not be that bad. But, you have to admit it, it's a sad case to be emotional.

I've been blamed for being cold, heartless, having no emotions, blah-blah-blah. But, what was I to do? Would I be willing to cry myself to sleep, by myself, for the rest of my life? Oh no, not me! My husband trained me well. He taught me, probably within a year of our marriage, that he would not cater to the crying and the unnecessary emotions. Sure, he handled it for a little while, but wouldn't have for too long. And so, I subdued my emotions to the subtle training he gleefully provided. And now I am this all-powerful being who refuses to cry over life's shortcomings (except for animated movies--go figure!).

So, ladies, toughen up. Don't let yourselves drown in an ocean of uncatered feelings. Besides, crying is a manipulation tactic all men seem to have caught on to. They are no longer falling into that trap. Give it up!

Now, if you've been married for a long time and are still catered to when revealing your emotions, please do reply and let me know my friends and I are just unfortunate fools.

Disclaimer: I have a wonderful husband. I thank him for helping me conform into this rock I am today. Even he can't stand my emotionless being! MWAAHAHAHAHA!

Next Topic: How to Toughen Up!

Decent Discipline

I've decided to post this one a little further down the road. Perhaps I'll get a little more enlightened on what I'll share in relation to this.

For now, I'll be moving on to a couple of topics that have lingering in my mind today.