If we are lucky others will be there to support us in our less than good moments; when we're not feeling well, we're feeling sad or anxious, or feeling lonely. On the same token we'd hope to be able to share the good times with those around us. When something good happens don't keep it to yourself - embrace it and share it. Don't be afraid to be grateful and happy. Others won't be jealous or think you're gloating, as long as there is a balance. Show your vulnerable side from time to time and they'll genuinely be thrilled for you when the good things happen. Don't just share the good without the bad; likewise don't just share the bad without the good.
Whatever obstacles life throws at you, look for the good in them or at least the good that can come out of them. I never asked to come from a divorced family, BUT in doing so I realized what I wanted to strive for in my own marriage. I certainly never wanted to have breast cancer. I can stand here today as an 8-year survivor and say that my having cancer was probably the worst and the best thing that ever happened to me. The worst being I was scared and really sick for the better part of a year. The best being that the experience showed me the love and support of family and friends and helped me get my priorities in order. Some things we just have to learn the hard way, but in the end we are stronger for having endured it.
Try to look for the good in every situation, even if it's not overly obvious at first. Be persistent. Look again and again and again if needed. You or someone else could ultimately learn from your obstacle, your less than desirable experience, or your pain and discomfort.
What's been one of your toughest moments that went full circle and turned into something good?
I'd had a good programming job for 7 years before there was a huge layoff. I loved working there, however I was stuck working in DOS instead of the new windows environment. I did find another job within a month - however it paid a lot less. I really struggled financially being a single mother. The new job not only paid less but the owner was just outright cranky and mean. I worked there for a year and a half, hating every minute of it, but learning to program in Windows and .NET. If I hadn't worked there I wouldn't have learned what I needed for my next job which was a much better job. At this new job, I studied and passed my Micorosft certifications. After 4 years there, I could see them struggling and decided to look for another job. Got a job offer on the only job I applied for and then on the same day my old employer (before the layoff) gave me a job offer for the same new pay but keeping all my seniority and accumulated vacation time. Now that's going full circle!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Cindy. That is a PERFECT example of hanging in there and being rewarded for your efforts in the end.
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