After years of doing this work, I can say with absolute certainty that it has brought me an incredible transformation. The things that once drove me crazy no longer have the same power over me. But make no mistake - this transformation wasn't achieved through repression or denial. Instead, I reconfigured the way I interpret things and relate to the world around me.
And while this process requires hard work and patience, the one who reaps the rewards is you. You see, happiness isn't something you can find outside of yourself; it's something you must cultivate within. And the way to do that is by becoming familiar with your mind and reconfiguring the very way you see reality and the world you live in.
Patience is key to this process. But what most people think of as patience is actually passive aggression - a grit-your-teeth-and-wait-for-it-to-pass mentality that only breeds frustration and negativity. Real patience, on the other hand, is a stable mind that recognises when things don't go as planned and refrains from reacting in anger or panic.
When you develop this powerful state of mind, you're able to welcome whatever life throws your way, without losing your clarity or sanity. So, when you hit traffic on the highway, you don't go ballistic or start feeling irritated and impatient.
But this kind of transformation isn't easy. We've been conditioned to believe that anger and frustration are natural responses to life's challenges. And so, changing the way we react to life can feel like an impossible task. But with practice, we can reprogram our minds to respond in a more positive and proactive way.
So, when you slip up - and trust me, you will - don't be too hard on yourself. Changing bad habits takes time and practice. And just like learning to ride a bike, you need to get back on and keep trying.
If you're committed to this process, you'll begin to see amazing changes in your life. You'll develop a deeper understanding of your mind and its connection to your emotions and behaviour. And you'll find that you're able to maintain your clarity and sanity, even in the midst of chaos.
In short, it's 100% possible to reconfigure your mind, and change the way you interpret and react to the world around you. And as you do, you'll find that the traffic on the highway - and all of life's other challenges - become a little less daunting, and a lot more manageable.
Daniel Troyak is a Mindfulness-based Therapist.
With his support, unpack and unravel the contents of the mind.
Learn the tools for emotional processing and healing so you can live a happy, calm and peaceful life.