Everywhere you turn change is happening; some big, some small. There is evident transition visible to the most everyone; changing of the seasons; the fluctuation of the economy; the changing of an administration.
Other change is evident only to a core group of people. Change that becomes the center of their world.
There is events we celebrate such as the birth of a child, first college graduate in a family, job promotion, buying a home; the list goes on. On the flip side are the experiences we know happen and yet we often put into the category of “that happens to others, but not us.”
Huge company layoffs, loss of a single job in a small company, a home burning to the ground, illness and death.
It's all so personal
Until we personally face life altering experiences (that only our immediate family and circle of friends are aware of) it is likely we cannot fully comprehend what these experiences entail.
We can fool ourselves into thinking we will handle every little thing with calm, acceptance, compassion and reason. Yet, it’s likely we are not fully prepared for the emotions that crop up such as pain, frustration, anger and fear.
Will we regret?
Truth be told, not everyone handles tough situations in a way they would want to. Many things are said and done during tough times that are often regretted as soon as they occur.
This can happen for a number of reasons; we may feel like our involvement in the experience is more important than the others going through the very same thing. Then there is fear; fear of loss; of uncertainty; of loss of control.
Our greatest gift
When tough life situations occur the greatest gift we can give to ourselves and others is to come from a space of love. To realize each person is internalizing what is happening and everyone deserves respect for their feelings and pain.
For some, this may be easier said than done. Yet, it is in the awareness that we may not have a full handle on how we will respond that we can be more responsive.
There are situations that penetrate the core of our being with deep pain. Yet, it is in the pain there is no mistaking how deeply we love.
We are called to BE
It is also in these situations we can ask ourselves, “What am I being called to be?”
We are not always to do, but rather to be; be a person of love, compassion, forgiveness and kindness.
Two very simple questions that can move us into a loving space are, “How do I want to remember this situation? How do I want to be remembered in this situation?”
During even the toughest situations taking time for reflection can often take one from the space of fear to the space of love. This is the greatest gift we can give to ourselves and others no matter what life puts in our path.
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