UPLIFT October Week 2

Ever had the experience when life was so absolutely horrible, where your expectations and grand plans were absolutely not happening, and you got thwarted in every way? And then you laughed! A huge uproaring laugh that just broke the negativity and all the “stuff” you had put on that moment, or event, or experience. There was simply nothing else to do but!

I was presenting my senior thesis to a high end architectural firm for whom I was interning and I had to do a few more things before I presented that afternoon. I was with my mom and we were in it to win it but somehow everything went wrong.

I get the shoes I needed to match my suit, but then lose the parking ticket, can’t get out of the parking garage, run ½ a mile to get my dads car to then come back to the lot to transfer my 3 × 5’ model…. etc. on and on it went.

I was so stressed! And crazed! I had to make this presentation and nail it! or… or…. I thought life would somehow be over. I did not want to disappoint; I wanted to have an amazing presentation.

I worked double time, amazingly didn’t hit anyone in the drive over, miraculously arrived on time. I was frazzled yet I set up my presentation and model quickly, and plastered a smile on my face. I anticipated my guests any minute. Time ticks by and no one showed.

All the architects but one had to bail due to pressing deadlines. And the final architect who was able to make it, arrived over an hour late due to his pressing deadlines. I couldn’t fault them, but wow, I felt very deflated after all the energy I put into a years worth of work. All of that stress vibrating through my body was for what exactly?

Here’s where I am going with this: It did all work out, eventually, just not the way I intended. That’s how life is sometimes. You have certain plans because it “HAS” to be that way or else, and you become so rigid, even frantic!

At the end of that very long day, my dinner with my parents was going over the horrors and stress of the day, and we just laughed and laughed!

How do you move through life when life is not working out? Do you become silent and retreat? Do you yell in anger? Do you lash out? Do you even avoid the problem and find other things to busy your mind with?

I ask this because life will always throw curve balls. Life will not come as you expect. And we can’t control what is outside of us, but we can control how we meet each moment. Take that calming breath, meet each moment with calm, collected, curious attention. Do what you can and ask for help if you get triggered and don’t what to do next. Help can even be in the form of a hug.

You are stronger than you know. I don’t know if you needed to read that today. But it’s true. If you don’t know what to do next when the S*^! hits the fan, try laughing. It feels good, increases those endorphins, frees your mind and might place some things in a better perspective for you. Then, and only then, should you make your next move.

You can do this! I am rooting for you and all that you do. Until next time.

Fondly,