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Every blog I read, every radio broadcast I hear, every news program I see, and almost every personal or business conversation I have is focused on what is happening in our world right now. Every day brings a new, lower stock market average or a high number of layoffs. And the numbers seem to be the most alarming part. They seem so impersonal, black-and-white, and terrifying. How are any of us to make sense of all this? How are we to remain positive? If we are positive, will those around us think we are naïve or stupid?
And yet I look around me, and people are still falling in love and planning their futures (my daughter), still looking hopefully for that first great job opportunity as a college graduate (my son), and still dying unexpectedly of heart attacks (a dear friend’s 55-year-old brother). Life is going on in all its richness and glory. The sunset tonight was spectacular, and the jonquils are persistently pushing their way out of the cold ground. Spring will come, no matter what.
So what do we do? How do we feel? How do we act? How do we move forward? The only way I know is to stop, look, and listen. Not to the external messages from the world, but to the rich internal resources we all possess. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What really matters in my life?
- What do I care deeply about creating?
- What resources do I need?
- What is my most powerful next step?
Then take three deep breaths, focus, and move toward your heart’s desires. After all, tough times go away, and when they do, we are left with the sure knowledge that we have what it takes to survive them.
“Courage is being scared as hell and saddling up anyway.”
John Wayne
Rebecca, I like your challenge for us to self assess. What do we do, how do we feel? The most hopeful and optimistic side of me believes this is exactly what we all need right now. I for one have gotten back to the basics, slowed down for a moment, and connected with myself and my family around what’s most important. Many of us have been distracted by things that are just not that important. This is a great opportunity for us all to ask ourselves the 4 questions you’ve posed. I am preparing to journal about those 4 questions this weekend.
Thank you for your perspectives!
Beth