NOTES FROM THE AWARENESS: 521

Caring can be controlling.

Please reflect and share. How does this play out for you?

We all have folks we care about. We want them to be well and prosper, and we’re willing to add out efforts to contribute to their general benefit. In doing so, we likely have a pretty clear idea of what a good life for them would look like.

And this is where issues can arise. Our actions are often based on what we feel is right for them, which may not be exactly what they need and want. In the case of young children we’re raising, this level of direction may be appropriate. But otherwise, it is easy for caring to veer into controlling.

Today’s message advises me of the unwisdom of helping others with an agenda in mind. When I strongly wish a specific outcome for someone, it may not match their own goals. Often I can be most helpful by visualizing someone being strong, well and successful without picturing all the details.

How about you? Do you ever find yourself caring with an agenda?