There are times in our lives when things go well, so well that we sit on top of the world and can’t fathom loss or disappointment.
Then there are times in our lives when nothing goes right, from health challenges to financial burdens, and death – one loss after another.
2023 commenced, and it has been fraught with health issues, financial challenges, and way too many deaths – both human, and canine.
I’m a Murphy, so what can go wrong, does go wrong. I’ve learned to laugh, a lot. But I’m also a positive person, an optimist tainted by reality, a hopeful skeptic.
The irony is often our losses don’t coincide with our family’s or friend’s gains. When they’re up, we seem to be down, and when they’re down, we seem to be up. Thus it’s difficult to seek comfort and compassion when there is such an imbalance – and we need to find solace in our aloneness. To sort through the difficulty and strategize our future.
We may get knocked down, but never for long. We will rise again, should we choose.
If your year has kicked off in the red, don’t give up or lose hope. Muster up each morsel of positive energy and look toward better days. Create those days!
Our attitude and perspective is up to us.
Instead of ‘why me’, ask ‘what will I learn from this?’
Instead of ‘life sucks’, identify what sucked, then ask ‘how can I change this?’
Most importantly, allow yourself to sit with any discomfort, pain, or angst you’re feeling. Kick, scream, and pout. Cry, wallow, and afford melancholy a seat at your table.
Then move on.
Just because it’s been a rough week or two doesn’t mean the entire year will follow suit.
May you catch a break, and may you make the most of any hardship sent your way.
Life is made up of ebbs and flows, good times and not so good times.
A bad day doesn’t equal a bad life. Remember that. A rough patch isn’t a death sentence. Don’t forget that.
Accept the challenge. Ride the difficulty. Process the pain.
Then release – and live fully. The only remedies for challenges are tenacity, strength, and conviction. Tomorrow may be your best day yet.
What will you do with the challenges facing you today?
