Life really does put us through some rough, terrible things every now again. Admittedly some things are our own doing from choices we make and others are events that happen to us. For example in the case of situations i cause, my knee problem is from my choice to not take better care of my health. An example of something happening to you would be getting hit by a car or losing your job from a downsizing out of your control.
The thing is with all of these examples there is a key factor that will determine if you grow or if you play the victim. The only thing that we have absolute control over is our attitude. It’s been said thousands of times and it’s has been proven thousands of times. I’m not bringing you a new radical idea. I wish I was that insightful! But I was reminded of this today during a conversation with my brother in law.
I can’t share the things that he is going thru. I can say that the circumstances are completely out of his control and he has to work within someone else’s rules. But talking with him today he said I can either go down to a dark place that will just make things worse or I can focus on the things I am grateful to have come out of this and the things I can still do. He pointed out that though his options are limited he still has better options than most. And that these circumstances are temporary.
That’s just it. Anything you are going thru right now will be over before you know it. While you are in the thick of things it is hard to see the light, to think about the positive outcomes or changes it will have on your future. I don’t want to spout off too many cliche sayings but the only way you get stronger is to go thru the tough things, even if life sucks at the moment.
I have been lucky to only have my choices affect my path. Looking back, were there better choices to make? ABSOLUTELY! Did I struggle and want to give up on the daily? 1000%. But on the other side of those things now I am building a business, working with new projects, creating and looking forward to new obstacles.
Don’t let the short hard times rob you of an amazing future. See the lessons, enjoy the growth and keep pushing. Positive thinking is a tough choice. But what’s tougher? Coming back from a downward spiral or putting on a fake smile to trick your brain into believing it will get better? Take charge and think about what can be learned and how you are growing. Find someone to help you see the positive!!
The Distracted Damsel 