Adversity-Why Not You?
Some years ago, our family was going through a tough time. Lots of financial, medical and emotional stress. It became so overwhelming that we approached an older man from our church at that time for counsel.
We told him of how we were trying so hard to do the right things and make correct choices. And yet it seemed, at least to us, that for every step forward, life pushed us back two steps.
I remember my proud husband holding his head in his hands and saying; "Why me?"
Dale, who had been leaning back on the hind legs of his kitchen chair, sat up straight and slammed his hand on the table.
"Why not you?" he yelled.
"What if these things would have happened to a lesser man? He may have lost his mind, or left his family or started drinking or using drugs.. You have a good family who love and support one another. You are strong. You have friends you can talk to. You have succeeded in the past and so you know it is possible to find success again. You are intelligent. You will find solutions, just keep looking and praying."
We were dumbfounded at his anger. We had come for sympathy and instead were being told how lucky we were!
Then he said something that has been a pivotal attitude change for us.
"Bad things happen all the time. There is no way to avoid them and you would not wish the ones that happen to you would have happened to someone else. Why should you be exempt from trouble? Just be grateful for your resources and know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
When trouble and hard times seem almost too much to bear, think about that tunnel in your mind. Right now you can only see a little glimmer of light way off in the distance. But if you keep your focus on the light and not on the darkness all around, the light will get bigger the closer you walk towards it. Eventually the outlines of the tunnel and the path will seem brighter as the sunlight pours in.
As you draw closer to the opening, you can see that it is bright, warm and welcoming you. What if you would have stayed at the beginning of the tunnel where it was cold, dark and scary? Some people do. But not you!
So when you are having problems, stress and adversity don't ask why me. Instead ask why not me?
If you would like to increase your self confidence and that of those you love, you will enjoy an affordable and very effective eCourse by Judy H. Wright available at http://www.EncourageSelfConfidence.com
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