There is a popular expression in society: "Don't leave anything to chance." This statement contains an implicit expression of arrogance and lack of awareness of the Almighty.
If your peace of mind is dependent on being certain that you have complete control over a situation and all the possibilities that might arise, you are bound to be disappointed. It is arrogant (as well as an impossibility) to think you have the omniscience to foresee every inevitability. To demand the impossible is to guarantee frustration.
Always realize the unexpected can occur. Plan as much as is appropriate, but realize that regardless of how much you plan there will be always be difficulties you had not previously imagined. By "expecting the unexpected" and being willing to accept it, you will have much greater peace of mind than if you unrealistically expect complete control.
(see Michtav M'Eliyahu, vol.1, p.188; Gateway to Happiness, p.83)
NEW BOOK!
Rabbi Zelig Pliskin's new book has just been published by Artscroll:
SELF-CONFIDENCE:
Formulas, Stories, and Insights.
Self-confidence allows you to create goals -- and reach them. It lets you learn from your failures -- and move on to triumphs. It helps you
transform your potential into real achievement. With the help of Rabbi Zelig Pliskin, you will gain that self-confidence.
Rabbi Zelig Pliskin is the author of 25 books with his specialty in mastering happiness and other positive inner resources.
His last 15 books include: "Taking Action", "Happiness", "Kindness", "Courage", "Serenity", "Building Your Self-image" "Conversations with
Yourself" and "Marriage." These books are available at: Artscroll.com.
About the Author
More by this Author >
Rabbi Zelig Pliskin is a noted psychologist and prolific author of 24 books, including Guard Your Tongue, Gateway to Happiness, Gateway to Self Knowledge, Love Your Neighbor, Growth Through Torah, The Power of Words, Consulting the Wise, and the recent Life is Now. Rabbi Pliskin lives in Jerusalem, and is the director of Aish HaTorah's Counseling Center and a senior lecturer at Aish's Essentials program and the Executive Learning Center. He was ordained at the Telshe Yeshiva in Ohio and holds a degree in Counseling Psychology.
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