Let's Go

From July 6, 2007

Are things difficult for you right now? Maybe you are wondering— when will life ever get easier— or, when is my time going to come? We’re all good people, why do bad things always have to happen?

I have learned that “bad things” are a part of life. Without them, we can’t possibly know what it is to feel happiness, joy, and gratitude. How can we truly be grateful if we never lack? How can we know real happiness if we never know sorrow? Life is full of oppositions—some are small, and some seem insurmountable—but each of these obstacles will come to an end at some point.

Even though my youngest baby is now in her eighth year, I can remember anticipating her birth—knowing the time was going to come that I was going to be on that delivery table and feeling more vulnerable than ever. Though hard labor is not a “bad thing” in itself, it wasn’t my favorite part of the birthing process. I always told myself that it was only for one day—and it would be over. This thought helped put things in perspective for me so that I could move on and enjoy the significance of the moment.

I can’t tell you how many times over the years I have reminded myself of that thought. Whenever I have a difficult task ahead of me, all I have to do is get through the day, and gratitude naturally follows.  Keep your sanity and change your outlook.

I saw this thought on a calendar page the other day: When we realize that life is planned to have adversity, we can spend less time on “Why me?” and more on “Let’s go.” So stop thinking: why is this happening to me—and start thinking: just get through the day. Create a defining moment for yourself: decide you aren’t going to let these things get you down anymore. Think: I am in charge of myself and I am going to come out stronger and happier.