In the last few days I’ve had conversations with at least half a dozen colleagues who hit the wall. Each is incredibly successful in their chosen endeavors, but right now things are mounting up to what can seem insurmountable challenges.
Have you ever felt like this? You’re doing all you know you should be doing but things aren’t turning out the way you planned.
Or, you get some really challenging news and you think, “Shoot, I’ve been doing everything I can with integrity and now this happens.”
Although most of us have heard, “Everything happens for a reason,” when we are in the middle of crap it’s not always easy to remember this.
Lately, I’ve talked to a lot of people who are going through very challenging times. They are being pushed to the max with their patience, time, finances and trust.
When someone’s in the middle of their own pile of poo-poo that’s not the time they want to hear, “Just stay positive, it will all work out.”
It may be that all they need to hear is, “I’m so sorry you’re going through this. If you need to talk, I’m here.”
Then there comes the time when they do need to hear something different. They may need to hear, “Buck up and move on.”
I had that kind of day recently. Nothing outwardly was wrong, but I decided to throw a pity party and anyone within earshot was invited.
Fortunately, I have someone in my life who knows when to say, “I’m really sorry you’re going through this,” at the right time and “Buck up and get over it at other times.”
While I was wallowing in that place we rarely like to go, I was given some great advice.
Here’s what I was told I should do.
- Get outside to get fresh air.
- Do some exercise to get rid of the stinking thinking.
- Pray and ask for guidance.
- Meditate and get centered.
- Acknowledge what I have to be grateful for.
After a bit of resistance, I decided to try the exercise first. I got on my bicycle and peddled for miles all the while praying for guidance. Whew! That got me on the right track.
- Upon returning home I put on a nice meditation CD. Exactly what I needed.
- Then I talked to a trusted friend.
- Then I thought about all I have to be grateful for. This really did the trick.
You see, years ago, I didn’t realize the power of gratitude. I was always focused on what was wrong rather than what is right.
My focus was so strong that I literally ended up without a job, a home, and enough money to buy a cup of coffee. Yes, I ended up on the streets. I was definitely not a very together person back then.
In my mind, I had plenty of evidence of how messed up life was.
What I didn’t know at that time was what we focus on we tend to get more of. Much of why my life was so messed up was my own doing. But you sure wouldn’t hear me admitting that in my twenties.
Today, I rarely get into the space of things being wrong not matter what is going on. And when I do I have the tools to change it around. This doesn’t mean that everything is going to be a bed of roses or a walk in the park.
What it does mean is I am able to get through these situations with grace and appreciation.
I think somethings in the air right now because lots of people are feeling very challenged.
To some I can truly say, “I am so sorry you are going through this,” and mean it.
To others I can truly say, “Buck up and move on,” and mean it.
What I also know is that by taking time to step back to take the time to move, pray, meditate and acknowledge what we are grateful for, we tend to get more of what we are grateful for.
What do you do when life throws you a curve ball? Comments and insights welcome.
What gets me out of a funk? 10 things:
1) meaningful conversation
2) walking my dog Pearlie
3) lying on my back watching the clouds
4) lying on my back watching the night sky
5) porch setting and smelling the night air
6) doing the next thing that needs urgent attention
7) tuning in/conscious in the here and now
8) helping and serving
9) practicing kindness to self and others
10) eating green organic foods
Very nice Kate. Thanks for sharing.
Kathleen,
Great article! Thanks for being real. Let’s face it. Life ain’t a bed of roses for anybody all the time! We all have challenges. I’m glad you posted this.
I have my days too (bad times). And when I do, the first and ONLY thing I focus on is reconnecting with God. The connection to Him sometimes gets broken. It’s like a Wifi signal: sometimes we get out of range, sometimes there’s a ‘storm’ that disrupts it, sometimes there’s interference from a microwave. Any of those things (albeit in spiritual terms) can affect the ‘signal’ and cause a disruption in the connection (with God). Then again, let’s not forget that He challenges our faith–and the challenges always occur in the trials.
I find that when I focus on doing some of the things you mentioned–prayer, meditation–or other things like reading, praising God, talking with other positive people, my spirit is lifted up.
I commend you for your words today because people that are in the position that you are usually do the ‘encouraging’ and ‘supporting’ of others. People tend to take for granted that you also need support and encouragement, and prayers. I hope that whoever is reading this takes that into consideration.
I am keeping you in prayers, and trusting that God’s hand will be upon you in love and blessings. He will help you through your challenges, and He will be glorified for it. It’s HE that supplies your need and takes care of you in ALL things. God bless! Hope this lifts you up. -David
Thank you for your thoughts David. Very well said and much appreciated.
Kathleen,
I just came across this post while browsing your website. I knew I’d find some good counsel and energy for moving my business forward. It was serendipitous to find you sitting across from the coffee shop table of my imagination and reaching out with your support. These are challenging times and as I browse here and also read your book (Power Up for Profits) I find both types of valued friendship and counsel: 1) the supportive words and 2) the kick in the butt! Thank you!
Kate
Thank you for your comments Kate. So glad you came across my book and it has served you. Yes, sometimes things can get tough and it is in the support of community we are able to get to the other side. Have a day filled with miracles.