pick up the pieces
Every time you fall short of a goal, you have an opportunity to pull your self up by the bootstraps and begin again. Who knows, your new route might offer benefits extending far beyond what you imagined for the first.
There are times when failure or loss are inevitable. Life just works that way. Jobs are lost, relationships end, and attempts to succeed fail. It’s been said that we grieve to the extent that we love. I believe this. When you give your whole heart, and if you live passionately, loss may take you down a dark road. But as difficult as it may seem to look for the light, life provides you with the ability and opportunities to do so.
Think about going backpacking. Pretty much everything you need is in your sturdy backpack. You sling it over your shoulders and journey, expecting the best. You enjoy the beauty, and take small challenges in stride. They’re part of the experience, right?
Then it rains – hard. But you’re prepared! You pull out your rain poncho and keep walking. Darkness falls. You seek shelter under a tree or rock overhang and spread out your tarp to stay dry. Your food, water, and blanket are tucked away in your backpack. If the sun shines again, you’ve got sun block; a knife, rope, insect repellant – everything you need for the trip is in your backpack.
Life is much the same. You set out on your journey, expecting the best. You enjoy life, and take small challenges in stride. They’re part of the experience. Then something really big happens. Something you didn’t expect. You may not realize it while you’re in the middle of it, but you’re prepared. Life has equipped you with a backpack. Everything you need is in there. What isn’t packed away may be provided by others – and by the experience itself.
Sometimes life comes crashing down. Be gentle with yourself as you pick up the pieces. You may have bumps. You may be bruised. But soon you’ll be back on your journey.
Judith Cassis, C.Ht. is available for keynote speaking and workshops. Contact Lee Cadena Management for information, 310-800-8337.
This is the truth in life. I am just realizing that when it hits you its not easy. But you are right, we need to go on with our journey. Life is full of surprises and I must go on with it. I enjoy reading this article of yours.
Thank you.
Hi Delia,
Thanks for responding. The best part of these little “glitches” and curve balls is that moving through them makes us stronger.
By taking action in the face of our challenges, we turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones that lead us in the direction of next steps of our life’s journey.
Happy travels!
Judith