True Power

From the Tarot of Durer, the Ten of Cups; from the Philosopher's Stone Deck, Power:

Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.

―Lao Tzu

Whether a family or another group, finding contentment and joy with others requires that we use our will carefully. We all know the following kinds of people, and at times we have been them:

• Those who constantly share their unasked-for opinions about everything, which has the effect of breaking down rather than healing or cultivating relationships.
• Those who are experts on everything, and therefore never listen or need to apologize for anything they do.
• Those who constantly give 'advice,' which is actually only words that are critical or belittling.

The psychologist Albert Ellis wrote, "People have motives and thoughts of which they are unaware." If we want happy, healthy relationships, we need to look at what is hidden within ourselves.