Want less stress? Mind your own business.

“I can find only three kinds of business in the universe: mine, yours and God’s. Much of our stress comes from mentally living out of our business.”

-Byron Katie

When I divorced in 1998, and again when I remarried in 2001, I sought ways to accept the realities of my life and all the people who had showed up in it!

Finding Byron Katie’s book, Loving What Is, saved me in more ways than one.

Although I have yet to master the skill, I find that when I can pull back and ask myself about who’s business it is, I can more easily let go of what I think “should” be done.

It is very easy in single parent and stepfamily life to be in other people’s or God business.

Checking yourself and learning more about the three kinds of business can help.

Read below from Byron Katie (she goes by Katie) for her blog: http://www.byronkatie.com/2006/09/whose-business-are-you-minding/

Whose Business Are You In?

by Byron Katie

Notice when you hurt that you are mentally out of your business. If you’re not sure, stop and ask, “Mentally, whose business am I in?”

There are only three kinds of business in the universe: mine, yours, and God’s.

Whose business is it if an earthquake happens? God’s business.

Whose business is it if your neighbor down the street has an ugly lawn? Your neighbor’s business.

Whose business is it if you are angry at your neighbor down the street because he has an ugly lawn? Your business.

Life is simple—it is internal.

Count, in five minute intervals, how many times you are in someone else’s business mentally.

Notice when you give uninvited advice or offer your opinion about something (aloud or silently).

Ask yourself: “Am I in their business? Did they ask me for my advice?” And more importantly, “Can I take the advice I am offering and apply it to my life?”