Keep on moving....

Enjoy when you can and endure when you must.

Johann Wolfgang von Goebe

Have you ever said to yourself, "If I can just get through this week, I will be fine!"

At times, we become so overloaded with work, civic, and family responsibilities it seems nearly impossible to believe it can all be done!

It's during those times we stop and "make a plan" to get things in order  and prioritize. Then, with a fierce determination we soldier on, accomplish the task, and promise that we'll never allow life to get that crazy again!

But what about the times when emergencies arise, when bad things happen, and life seems to go from from bad to worse....you think it can't possibly get any worse....then it does.

If we're not careful, those times of crisis or tragedy can overtake us and cause us to mentally, socially, spiritually, and sometimes physically "shut down". 

It's during those times we have to square our shoulders up, take a deep breath and just keep moving!  The very act of doing SOMETHING helps us endure those things life throws at us!

Doing SOMETHING to actively manage your situation, (instead of letting the situation manage you!)  will help you face the fear that may arise from the very circumstance you are facing.

Doing SOMETHING will help you stay focused on a positive outcome and enable you to pay attention to those around you who may be reaching out to help you.

My challenge for you is this: If life's troubles have brought you down, stop for just a little while.  (You may as well spend a bit of time praying while you're already on your knees!) 

Then...look up!  Look for something to do!  Look for someone who is probably already there, reaching out to help you!

Lastly, when you've made it through the struggle, look around and find someone else who is enduring the same kind of situation and reach out and lend a little encouragement!

Blessings!

Sharon

Don't give up now....

We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope.

Martin Luther King

Bad things happen.  Good things that seem within reach slip out of reach.  Everyone has struggles in life.  There are times we struggle with disappointment, setbacks and even the end of what we were certain was a good thing.


When those bad things happen, or when something that seemed so right slips just out of reach, remember the words of Martin Luther King.  Face the disappointment.  Fix what you can and accept what you can't change.  Then spend some time reflecting on the circumstance.  


Get it ALL out of your system. It's okay to spend enough time on a problem to fix what you can.  Most importantly, it's okay to spend enough time on a problem to face the hurt, anger or disappointment.  Forgive when needed -- ask for forgiveness if necessary.


Once  you've accepted whatever responsibility you might have, and you've determined there's nothing else to be done, MOVE ON!  


I've always loved the Scripture in the Bible that says, (in Sharon's paraphrase) "There's a time for everything!"  If you would like to look that Scripture up and work on your own "paraphrase," you can find it in Ecclesiastes 3:1-15.  The words in this Scripture passage apply to everyone who is reading this blog, and to everyone who ever will read this blog, irregardless of spiritual beliefs!


My challenge to you is to think about the true wisdom of the words in that Scripture passage. Print it out right now and read it every day. Then follow  Mr. King's advice and fix your mind on the hope of the better day!


Have a great weekend!


Blessings,


Sharon

Life goes on.....

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on." -- Robert Frost

I've heard the phrase, "Life goes on," countless times throughout my lifetime.  It's usually quoted to someone after they've endured a crisis, or an especially noticeable mistake.  I suppose the reason it's considered an old "standby" quote is that it's true!


I've seen friends and family face seemingly insurmountable odds to make it through a crisis, and knowing them years later, I do, indeed, see that without that kind of an attitude, it's easy to get mentally  "stuck" in a situation or relationship.


Bad things do happen.  And they happen to each of us. When you're up against a difficult situation, a crisis, or even an unbelievable tragedy, remember that there's only so much you can do, and that you will wake up tomorrow and you may see the whole situation with a different perspective.  


I would never downplay the importance of dealing with bad situations or tragedy.  I firmly believe that each of us, at times, may need to get some wise counsel to help us manage feelings of denial, betrayal, anger, or grief. (As a matter of fact, I actually think most of us would benefit from a good venting session with a wise counselor on a regular basis!)  


However, throughout my life, I've watched family and friends face some pretty terrible situations and come out on the other side with forgiveness and contentment.


I hope that if you're dealing with some kind of crisis of belief or tragedy, that you will find a family member or friend to stand with you and that you will find the strength needed to take the words of Robert Frost to heart and remember that your life will, indeed, go on.


Blessings,


Sharon