Do you ever find yourself stuck in a negative place, worrying that things won’t get any better (or even that they will get worse)? Or, have you ever had things going so well in your life that you just knew it wouldn’t last? If you’re anything like me and most of the people I know and work with, your answer to both of these questions is, of course, “yes.”
Many of us seem to forget that there is a natural ebb and flow to life, especially when things get challenging, stressful, or scary. Right now, there is a lot of agreement in our world about how “bad” things are – particularly in relation to the economy. And while I do believe it is essential for us to confront things in life directly and not put our heads in the sand, it seems that many of us (myself included at times) tend to forget an important truth about life…this too shall pass.
Ironically, this same phenomenon is also true when things are “good.” Life constantly evolves and changes…nothing stays constant. We waste so much of our precious time and energy worrying about things, instead of appreciating and embracing them in the moment. Worrying that bad times won’t pass (which they almost always do) or that good times won’t last (which they almost never do) takes us out of the present moment and causes us to suffer, miss out, or both.
You or some of the people around you may be experiencing significant pain or challenge right now – based on the economic situation or other factors. Or, you may currently be experiencing a great deal of success, opportunity, and joy in your life. At some level, most of us experience a certain amount of real joy and real pain all the time, simultaneously.
Whatever our current experience of life may be, it always serves us to remember that things are in a constant state of flux and that whatever is going on in our lives right now, will pass. As difficult as this is for each of us to remember, especially when we’re scared, it can be a powerful reminder and an important mantra that we hold onto and share with others as a way to keep things in perspective.
Here are a few things you can do to enhance your ability to stay present, grounded, and grateful – regardless of the external circumstances in your life.
– Count Your Blessings – Whatever is going on in your life – no matter how “good” or “bad” things may seem; there are always many things for us to be grateful for. Take some time right now to think about or write down some of the many blessings in your life. And, as a bonus – share them with others today and this week.
– Support Others – Reminding others that things can and will get better (if they’re tough) and that it’s important to appreciate and enjoy what is happening (if things are going well), is a great way to remind ourselves, get out of our own head, and be in service. When we support others, we also support ourselves in a healthy and generous way. And, our authentic support of other people helps make sure we don’t spend and waste time feeling sorry for ourselves or getting too caught up in our own narcissism.
– Reflect on Your Past in a Positive Way – Think back to times in your own life when you’ve overcome challenges and/or created great success and fulfillment. Remembering that we’ve had tough times and risen above them and that we’ve been able to appreciate ourselves, our lives, and our success – can help us remember how strong and capable we are in the present moment. Allow your past to empower you!
Debbie Rubino says
I just wanted to take this opportunity to “thank you” as this message could not have come at a more appropriate time for me. As we all struggle through these hard economic times, sometimes it is easier to focus on the bad things in our lives versus those that remain good. After reading your message today,it is clear to me that I have many blessings in my life.In perspective the good things are much more important to me than the bad could ever be.
Alisa Rose Seidlitz says
Mike,
What you’ve written today is particularly beautiful.
I’d like to add:
**Notice Nature, and allow the Awe to fill you.
The grass is growing, the birds are singing, today there’s blue sky with plump white clouds-yesterday there may have been much needed rain.
Noticing the abundance of nature can help us feel rich and whole.
Alisa Rose Seidlitz
Principal & Chief Environmental Optimizer©
EcoHarmony Feng Shui©
Loving Gardens Designs©
Jo Ann Harvey says
My basic belief is that everyone (including myself!) does the best they can with the tools they have. Some people are better equipped than others. This belief does not serve as an excuse for bad behavior, nor does it take away responsibility for actions. It does serve as a gentle reminder that we are all at different places in our life journeys AND most importantly it allows me to release negative thoughts and emotions. It is all about perspective and choice. Negativity and blame cannot exist in the same space as gratitude and joy. I choose to focus on the positive and live in gratitude. What an awesome way to experience my own life journey. What an awesome perspective to use when interacting with others.
peace and blessings,
Jo Ann Harvey
Transformational Meditation teacher
Academyofselfknowledge.com
Jo Ann Harvey says
o Ann Harvey Says:
March 4th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
My basic belief is that everyone (including myself!) does the best they can with the tools they have. Some people are better equipped than others. This belief does not serve as an excuse for bad behavior, nor does it take away responsibility for actions. It does serve as a gentle reminder that we are all at different places in our life journeys AND most importantly it allows me to release negative thoughts and emotions. It is all about perspective and choice. Negativity and blame cannot exist in the same space as gratitude and joy. I choose to focus on the positive and live in gratitude. What an awesome way to experience my own life journey. What an awesome perspective to use when interacting with others.
peace and blessings,
Jo Ann Harvey
Transformational Meditation teacher
Academyofselfknowledge.com
Trish says
Mike…well said. The only constant in life is “Change”. My grandmother knew it well. “This too…” was her response to all the grumbling I registered with her. Too bad she’s gone now, and it doesn’t come to mind often enough when the bad times roll. Thanks for the memories! Trish
Gloria Paladini says
Thanks for your words of wisdom Mike!
Glad to see your calendar is FULL!
It’s good to be busy!
Beth Wharton says
So funny that I was saying the same thing yesterday to a mother friend of mine. Our girls, after a long period of fighting like close sisters, are embracing one another’s beauty as of lately. Mothering has become such a lovely oppportunity as the winter draws to a close. That said, I have one mantra that gets me through easy and tough times: “Play, play, play!” Regardless of what circumstances occur in my life, I find that playing with them all keeps me loving life. The context serves me well as I am able to recall, that in the end, it has all been made up. Why not play it out as it has been created? There is no doubt that all that comes into my life is a gift regardless of the form in which it shows up. And I am grateful for each experience as it carries me through the chapters my one life has been gifted. I remember that right now, the earth is toiling in its deep dark places, pushing, cracking, churning for its place to shine as Spring approaches and the seeds can finally show their hard work as paid off. When the dishes are piling up, the floor needs to be swept, the sheets could be changed, the dog needs out, my work is whistling for my attention, the car needs a tune up, my children want to help cook using all the spices, my husband is neck deep is the chaos of business, and the relatives are calling, I let my hair down, I get dirty, and I play with passion!
Blessings, Beth
lauren Lane says
This was a great reminder. Thank you. This is my first visit to this site and blog. I needed to be reminded that “This too shall Pass”. I especially liked that you wrote “stay out of your head” because sometimes if we can just step back from all the thoughts, conversations and chatter that goes on ‘with or without our cooperation’, and just observe all the noise- we can be assured through that still quiet intuitive knowing that ‘God is present in all things’, and that “this too shall pass”. Thank you again.