If we could
only learn how to control ourselves, we would be much better off. We often
spend so much time trying to control others in various forms of relationships,
we neglect our efforts to control ourselves. We let ourselves go to everyone’s
detriment. It is inevitable that when we get out of control, there are going to
be problems. If we really want to find harmony and peace, we have to learn how
to restrain ourselves from getting out of control. The hardest part perhaps is
knowing when we are out of control. At the time, we usually don’t think of
ourselves in that state. Others can sometimes see it, but we do not; and we do
not want someone telling us we are. Like the person who has had too much to
drink, yet insist on driving home; fully believing that we are competent enough
to get behind the wheel. Such thinking leads to accidents, some of which cannot
be mended easily. It does not even have to be so dramatic. We can be reckless
with many things. If we don’t take care of ourselves, we are out of control. We
spiral dangerously towards unfortunate consequences. The truth is that even
though it is hard to reign ourselves in sometimes, it is even harder to control
another. We can’t force them to think the way we think, or act the way we want
them to act. Orson Welles said that "You only want love on your own terms;
something to be played your way, according to your rules". The problem is
that everyone else wants to play by their own rules too.
