3 Things to consider when it all goes pear-shaped
Sep 03, 2021
We all tend to believe that we have control over what happens, when in reality the only control we have is over our attitude to what life throws at us.
Yes, we can prepare, work hard and plan. This helps us get more of what we want but when it comes to intangibles like love, illness, accidents and such, we are at the mercy of life, the universe, fate, randomness according to whatever your belief system you subscribe to.
No matter how powerful, self-assured, confident or great anyone is perceived to be, life can throw in humbling and painful experiences. Yes, things can hit the fan for anyone. A gentleman who had it all and had his life stolen from him said it best:
If I were to say, 'God, why me?' about the bad things, then I should have said, 'God, why me?' about the good things that happened in my life.
What an attitude in the face of tragedy. He contracted HIV from a blood transfusion during surgery and died of AIDS before they screened blood donations.
We can only choose how we will perceive and manage ourselves in the face of tough life events.
Here are 3 things to consider when in a dark place that is overwhelming.
- It’s okay, to feel bad, to be upset and healthy to acknowledge things aren’t good.
- Ask the following questions:
- What am I not seeing or thinking?
- What is the best I can bring to the situation that can help if even in a small way?
- How can I just take a small step forward, do something positive no matter how small and build on it day by day?
- Chunk it down - can you just get through an hour, a day at a time and force yourself to acknowledge the quote above. Thinking too far ahead fuels panic.
When there is no light at the end of the tunnel just walk and usually at some point the light will appear. The trick is to keep moving, doing something no matter how small.
Humans through centuries have endured incredible hardships and yet some never lose the appreciation that being alive is a gift. Time passes as do most hardships so remain realistically rather than blindly optimistic that better will follow.
Keep a sense of humour, no matter how dark the humour might need to be. Look for beauty and kindness, so you are ready to give and receive them when the opportunity appears again.
Written by David Sammel