Subscribe to the 2W2aB feedI was talking with a friend of mine today. He did not sound like himself on the phone. He seemed run down, beat down, and sad. He is a leader in an organization that has been faced with layoffs and consolidations. And although his job is safe, he is the one having to let go talented professionals - people who he recruited and people who he cares for. And this is heart breaking for him.
This friend has always been a ray of sunshine - even in tough times. Today, he seemed unlike himself.
These are days that will test many of us - even the glass is half full types. Here are a few thoughts that might help (while not asking you to dishonor the tough times):
- It is always from darkness that opportunity comes. We are able to create from nothing and often, we need setbacks to force ourselves away from safe and usual practices.
- We have much to be thankful for. We continue to live in an overall prosperous society. This is not your grandfather's depression. We have people who love us and an ability to pursue our dreams.
- Like other tough periods - this one shall pass. And the new habits we learn today (conservation, saving more of our earnings, focusing on relationships versus stuff) will serve us in better times, too.
Optimism is so important because when we see a bright future, we create solutions and pathways. When we see doom and gloom, we lengthen and reinforce troubled experiences.
Let's find a way to honor what's happening while staying focused on our dreams and intentions.
