What I have learned
It’s interesting, in the midst of life’s tribulations, what I have learned, and how lessons suddenly distil to small realities: when I fall over my walking stick – FGS! – which I am deploying because my sore back is recovering after I blew my nose – FGS! – I have a choice. In the midst of confusion, boredom and tiredness, I can either (a) give in to a sense of hopelessness, bemoan my fate and wish myself elsewhere; or (b) I can laugh at the absurdity of everything. It often boils down to a simple choice: I can laugh, so I do.
What use do we make of the things that happen to us? We can worry about what has been, and what will be; we can fret about wasted chances, mistakes, boredom and the horrible repetition of small tasks that drives us up the wall; we can recognise that everything that happens is a gift that we are squandering and feel bad about that and filled with regret; OR we can decide that life is always a gift, and that nothing that happens needs be a squander or a waste, because there are lessons to be learned in everything: the good, the bad and the ugly.
Believe me, when I am getting myself up from my umpteenth fall in the last few weeks – a sign, typically, that all is not well – it helps to remember that we are unerringly free. An instant cure for despair, you might think, or the ramblings of a deluded fool, perhaps.
I don’t care how solace comes to me, so long as it works its magic and allows me to keep going for another day. So I drop all the regrets, the worry and the hopelessness that threatens to swamp me, and I simply relax, knowing that all is well and that every smile makes a difference to what happens next.
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Please share:
Elouise R Fraser
November 14, 2018 @ 4:33 pm
Hold those smiles close, relax, and receive the gift that is life. Wisdom for anyday, anytime. I know falling isn’t new to you. I pray you’ll find your cheery and pragmatic way to some understanding about what’s happening in your body. We’re so fearfully and wonderfully made–intricate, delicate and strangely beautiful even in our down times. As for me, I’m taking your words and your example to heart these days — though I have to admit it isn’t always easy (not news to you).
Hugs, deep breathing, smiles and giddy determination from across the pond! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Elouise
Fran Macilvey
November 15, 2018 @ 12:33 pm
Darling Elouise,
Everything seems to move so fast, these days, and in a good way. Maybe that’s because I’m learning to ride the waves and to see the good in even the most difficult circumstances. Whatever the cause, life is good at the moment, and I am relaxed and sitting tall. It is a wonderful life we have, brimming with opportunities to notice the good. Thank you so much for everything. xxx