I’d wanted my first post in this blog to be one about the peace and tranquility that I have been seeking. Instead, something happened today that jarred me right out of my peaceful bubble and I realized that I needed to write about that more than anything else.
We’ve all had those times where we’re floating along that lazy river of calm, the raft gently rocking with the current as we moved along the waters of life. And just as we began to drift off into that peaceful nap that we’d been hoping would come upon us for the previous hour – CRASH! We’re suddenly tossed onto the rocky shore, breaking our reverie and skinning our knees in the process. Or maybe the jostling wasn’t so severe that it resulted in the need to be bandaged up. Maybe the raft tipped over and we were thrown into the freezing cold waters which resulted in us having to use extra towels. However severe the jarring, we’ve all been startled from our calm on more than one occasion and it usually was not a pleasant experience.
In the past, my first reaction was to get angry for I do not like being tossed into rocky shorelines nor rolled into freezing waters. But in hindsight, what did that anger accomplish? Did that anger change my situation and make it better in any way? I can honestly state that being angry never did anything to help my situation and it only hurt me in the long-run.
What’s important to remember is not that we’ve been jarred from the calm (or sometimes monotony) of our lives. Rather what’s important is how we choose to handle these situations when they come upon us. Unexpected difficulties are a natural occurrence and shall continue to happen at the most inopportune times as long as we make this journey through life. We need to do our best to roll with them and if we’re lucky, we can learn something from them.
So pack some bandages and a few extra towels. It’s (probably) going to be a bumpy ride.
#1 by Paula K on August 18, 2009 - 6:06 am
Whatever has happened – I think with this positive attitude toward it, it can only mean that the effects will be less long-acting. Seriously – you’re absolutely right in how we react to difficulty. It’s rare to be experiencing something unpleasant and be able to keep a clear head. Whatever’s going on will now be easier to deal with and will definitely heal faster! Good job, Hols – you may just be growing…. Rock On!!!!
#2 by Brad Shorr on August 18, 2009 - 10:25 am
Holli, Sounds like you are approaching your challenges with the right attitude. We can’t avoid problems in our lives, but how we respond can make them better or a whole lot worse. Good luck.
#3 by hollib on August 26, 2009 - 3:20 pm
My job situation isn't as secure as I had initially hoped, but I am fine with whatever happens. I know it's going to be all good!
#4 by hollib on August 26, 2009 - 3:22 pm
Thank you so much for your comment, Brad! I agree – it's not just about what happens, but in how we deal with what happens. We can't always control what goes on around us, so we have to take care of what we can – which is our attitude.
#5 by hollib on August 26, 2009 - 10:20 pm
My job situation isn't as secure as I had initially hoped, but I am fine with whatever happens. I know it's going to be all good!
#6 by hollib on August 26, 2009 - 10:22 pm
Thank you so much for your comment, Brad! I agree – it's not just about what happens, but in how we deal with what happens. We can't always control what goes on around us, so we have to take care of what we can – which is our attitude.