"Having it all" means you feel a sense of peace from within. You feel content even though you do not possess certain material things or lack certain things in the eyes of others; these things cease to matter. You grow closer to attaining peace when you accept who you are (the good and the bad) and the world around you. I believe when that happens you stop "wanting" to have it all because you feel you already have more than you bargained for. CMP

We live in an individualistic society, which may put a lot of pressure on individuals either trying to live the American dream or just trying to live up to their own personal or familial expectations. I have found through my own personal experience and through working as a therapist, many individuals are unhappy due to unmet expectations. We tend to put expectations not only on ourselves but others as well.

I remember having a catholic school girl mentality and I did not take mistakes I made lightly. Instead, I viewed them as a character flaw and let the guilt or shame consume me, without truly learning from the situation or experience I perceived as a mistake. When I found myself being repeatedly upset or disappointed with someone, I took the persons actions personal, when in reality it had nothing to do with me, it had to do with an expectation I had placed on someone they simply could not meet.

Somewhere within us lives this rigid rule book on how the world should be instead of just letting it be. When I began to view life as a journey full of interesting chapters and experiences, I became a much happier person and felt something completely foreign to me- peace. Being at peace with yourself and others is possible in our fast pace chaotic world. Not all experiences are pleasant, some involve making mistakes- a word and experience many view as negative or something they regret. In reality making mistakes is a part of life and our journey. How could we learn or grow if we did not make a mistake? The answer is you don't. You'll never learn by running away from reoccurring situations or by putting them in the back burner or by internalizing them. Moreover, you will continue to hit walls or experience conflict by holding expectations. Next time you find yourself upset with someone or a situation, allow yourself to reflect by asking yourself why without pointing your finger at the person or situation.

Having expectations is human and having some are also healthy. Making mistakes is human and steps to achieving a healthy mindset. However, becoming aware and being mindful of expectations will give you much insight and peace. Allowing yourself to make mistakes, will allow you to grow and then let it go.

What advice did I hear that helped me achieve this peaceful mindset?

"Is our past a mistake? No. The only mistake we can make is mistaking that for our truth."

Live not with regrets, life is a beautiful heroic journey :)

Easy...

Half would definitely go to the American Society for the of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Because I no longer have it in me to continuously see Sarah MacLachlan's commercials on animal cruelty- and because I care- about the animals and protecting myself from PTSD.