This week has been about Acceptance... of information received; of what others have experienced or are experiencing; of what I cannot control... and Choice. That is, accepting what is and making a choice on how best to respond.
Earlier in the week I had a conversation with a family member. We talked about how we were raised, our family memories, and who we are now as adults. We are no longer those younger siblings who grew up in the same house together. We have changed. (I want to believe we have matured!)
A few days later a childhood friend notified me that he has been diagnosed with advanced prostrate cancer. I sat with his texts, recalled our childhood antics, and asked how I might be a friend. His responses were uplifting as he shared his love for family, his faith in God, and his trust in the medical professionals. He seemed at peace with the challenges before him.
How might I accept what is happening to a family member or a friend?
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| How do you approach stormy days? (Photo credit: Charles Schultz) |
And today, another friend texted about losing his "dream job" unexpectedly and with no reason given. For several days he has been trying to understand why it happened and did he do something wrong. As we texted, I sensed a struggle between trying to understand and acceptance, questions that cannot be asked and answers not given, despair and relief. Were these his struggles or mine? Maybe with the holidays coming up, this was a Gift to be with his young family as he took care of himself and them?
How might I listen and be present when Mystery Remains Unknown?
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| Can you see beyond what is happening? (Photo: Morning Fog over San Diego Bay - Larry Gardepie |
It seems that Life Happens... in very unexpected ways... and then we have a Choice in how we will respond. It's not fun being moved off-course of plans and aspirations we desire, but maybe the lesson is more about letting go, accepting, and being tender with ourselves as we consider... What comes next?... How do we survive?... Will we be okay?
Towards the end of our text conversation, my friend said that each of his last few jobs have been better than the one before. And, he concluded, maybe the next one will be even better!
How might I listen for Hope and Surprises?
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| What choices can you make? (Photo: Carnival Panorama - Larry Gardepie) |
Listening, asking questions, being present, and trying to understand opens us to the possibility of What Is... Next.
Maybe it is time this week for us to accept what is, know that we have the power to choose, and Expect to be Surprised!
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| Larry Gardepie (click on link for website) |
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