R.A.D.I.C.A.L. Thoughts
"Life Lesson # 2: Although life is unpredictable, it does come with a 100% GUARANTEE. LIFE'S 100% GUARANTEE: While on your path heading toward your Dream Quest, you will 100% be bombarded with a series of obstacles that will make you mutter, 'What the %$#! is going on here? I need a nap!'"
~From ENOUGH,dammit: a cynic's guide to finally getting what you want out of life
Life isn't fair. It never has been; it never will be. Once we can accept that fact, life is easier to handle. Eastern thought has emphasized the fact that once we get over expecting our life to be all rosy and fun and games, we can more easily take it in stride when something like a midlife divorce happens. Even though the book above is called a "cynic's guide," I don't want to encourage anyone to be a cynic or become a cynic. Just don't be naive. Don't think that life is not naturally fraught with obstacles to overcome as well as innumerable joys to experience. Challenges make you strong. In fact, when we can learn to still have a positive outlook in spite of (and sometimes even because of) the obstacles we overcome, we start getting an idea about how we are really supposed to experience life. For one thing, we don't have to be so dramatic! We don't have to think some personal tragedy is the end of all good. Now, remember, these words come from someone who on more than one occasion, found herself on the floor sobbing about my midlife divorce and just sure that my life had been ruined. And I know there are real, hurtful, devastating challenges to face. But life is life. That includes struggles, sadness, stopped up sinks, sick kids, divorce, not enough money, selling your house. But you know what? You ... (with the help of an unbelievably loving God) can overcome every single one of those things and still find the ultimate joy and gladness of life itself. Bad things happen to good people. God can help you face those bad things. Do everything you can to turn your obstacles into big huge stepping stones of growth. Do your part. Trust God. Then go take a nap and wake up ready to grow again.
"I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world." ~John 3:33
