Dealing with Life's Disappointments
People have always made comments or asked me questions like " Why are you always smiling/cheesing?", or "What are you so happy about?" and "Look at that kool-aid smile!" and I just laugh it off. In my head I'm thinking why not? To me, its always been part of my character to be optimistic and smile and laugh my way through trials, tribulations, hurt, pain and even anger. I realize not everyone possesses that quality, and although I do it can be a blessing and it can be a curse.
Right now, I want to talk more about why its a blessing and I'll deal with the curse part later. (Maybe in a part 2 to this post) My outlook on life is simple... "Life is not fair, and life is not always going to be good, but you have to take the good WITH the bad and make the MOST of every situation." I realize that people arent always going to treat me fairly, give to me the way I give to them, love me the way I love them, or be considerate of my feelings like I would them. I understand and embrace (sometimes reluctantly) that all 'men/women' are not really created equal (theoretically speaking.) Well, we may be originally created that way but can grow into very different and varying types of people depending on our upbringing, environment and just LIFE.
My general expectation is that life is going to be great; I'll be ridiculously successful, have a wonderful family, and just be HAPPY, but the reality is that may or may not be my everyday. I've encountered so many people that as soon as something negative happens or happens outside of their 'bubble' or expectation, the world is coming to an end. Its just not that serious to me. You have to take things in stride and learn the life lesson from every situation and interaction you have. Now dont get me wrong, just because I think and feel that way doesnt mean I dont get hurt or even upset, trust me I do. (I'm sure if you ask around a few people can attest to that) but the difference is, I DONT LET THOSE THINGS DEFINE ME OR MY FUTURE OR PERMANENTLY ALTER MY MOOD. You have to learn to forgive and let go and move on. Life is too short and I dont know if people realize it or not, but you dont really get another chance at this life thing here on Earth. So why, oh why would you waste your days worrying and fretting about things you cant change nor fix. If we dont get our way, it wasnt for us. If things didnt turn out as well as we hoped, God must have something better.
How do you learn to appreciate all the good days when you never experience any bad ones? Its inevitable that everything wont always go our way but the most important thing is how we respond to life situations. So yeah I'll laugh, I'll smile and anticipate the next great thing thats in store for me, and if that doesnt work out, *shoulder shrug* I will keep trying until I get it right as many chances as God gives me. So, even though everything in life isn
Hey Mo this is Stefanie here (the system wouldn't allow me to add my name),
ReplyDeleteI like it and I personally agree with your view. I was one of those people at one point who allowed 'not so ideal' situations to make me a depressed person and it was sad....but God showed me a lot this year and I know I can't control everything. I have to give my best with love and gratitude and keep it moving. It's not easy and although God has lead me in this direction, its not always easy but I'm doing it and as long as I/we are here, we can live it out to the best!!! You are a very good writer to me and I enjoy reading your thoughts :-)