Sometimes…

Sometimes we are not in control of everything that happens in our lives. Sometimes bad things happen to very nice people. And sometimes no one sees it coming, and no one can stop catastrophe as it is about to happen. If you must face such a problem, be sure that you are remembered by it for the grace and strength you demonstrated, and how well you overcame the turmoil and devastation.

A misfortune felt by a person is hard for others to understand. And I wish not to be glib about this. We have all felt good times and bad times. Sometimes the pain feels like the end of the world. Sometimes we just go numb and go through it. And sometimes, we just have to accept it.

I had a young man who worked for me once. He was full of New Age psychology and the beliefs of someone who has failed to make it all the way around the block yet. He believed that all misfortune was caused by people not doing their due diligence. And he thought that anything terrible could be avoided. I used to smile and shake my head at him. In my mind, I hoped he didn’t have to learn the truth too early in life.

There are things in life that no one can control. I came to think our time on earth was designed that way. I can’t tell you the why’s and wherefore’s, for some reason, it’s just a feeling I have. I do not look at it as some entity having fun at our expense, I think of my low points and challenging times as training, which hopefully makes me better.

I believe it’s not what we face in life, it is what we do with what is given to us. How we react is essential. Do we let it pull us down, or do we use it as a springboard to grow and do better? I vote for the latter.

Think of the times that you have had to face something that would cause anguish in many. Consider how you handled the situation, and if you had a chance to do it again, the changes you might make in handling the distress. If you can learn and grow, you will do okay.

Just one man’s thoughts.

Thank you for being with me today. I hope to be with you again soon.

Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society. View all posts by Mike Balof