Facing challenges with Perspective…
A reminder that you can get there from here.
As most of you know, this has been a doozy of a summer: I was fired from my job; I had to hire a lawyer when my boss filed to deny my unemployment benefits that were awarded to me by the State (twice); our beloved cat, Derby, went into congestive heart failure the week of my first hearing and Chris’ 40th birthday (Derby’s still hanging there); and the latest: Yesterday, I spent 7 hours in the local emergency room.
Last night was the longest I’ve ever spent in a hospital for myself. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever spent that much time in a hospital, period. For that, I consider myself extremely blessed.
Besides my wonderfully supportive friends, former coworkers, and blog buddies, what’s really helped get me through is Perspective. And humor, but mostly Perspective. Though I’ve been off the self-help bandwagon (except food-wise) for quite a while, one of the things that has been of great comfort recently has been Tony Robbins’ TV show, Breakthrough. (I just read that the show’s been canceled which I think is a great shame, but it was there for me when I needed it so thanks TR!)
Anyway, the show was about real people facing MONUMENTAL challenges, and it made me realize that my stuff is piddly. Piddly, I tell you. Regardless of Tony’s guru reputation, I actually felt greatly relieved after watching Breakthrough – like a weight had been lifted. One of his tenets is “If you have a great challenge, face an even greater one.” In one case, he took a quadriplegic man skydiving. In another, he made a couple on the brink of bankruptcy spend a week on Skid Row. Both experiences were life-changing and helped these people cherish their lives.
Right now, in spite of everything, I am really cherishing my life. I worked really hard to get here, and these little bumps in the road are not about to set me back! I hope no one else is going through a rough time, but, if you are, please know that you are not alone. You’re in good company, and this too shall pass.
I joked around that I was going to go skydiving before my hearing, but I think the trip to the emergency room did the trick. If I can pass a kidney stone, I can handle this nonsense.
Oh no, sorry to hear about the hospital stay. Hope you feel loads better ASAP!
Wow, Tiff, I’m so sorry! I hope you are feeling okay. You have certainly been through a lot.
I too watched and enjoyed Breakthrough. I’m sorry it has been canceled. I just bought and started reading Bill Phillips new book, Transformation, yesterday. Maybe it would speak to you too.
You are a strong woman and a good friend. Let me know if there is anything I can do!
I had no idea you’ve had such a hard summer. I’m really sorry about the struggles you’ve had. I love your positive attitude, though.
Hang in there! It really is true that that which does not kill us,makes us stronger!
You have a fantastic attitude- and with that you’ll go anywhere you want to go. Hugs and more hugs coming your way. (Yay for Derby hanging in…we love that a lot)
Thanks you guys! Your kind words mean so much! I went to my doctor and had a CT scan yesterday. She thinks it might be diverticulosis, but isn’t sure. In the meantime, the ER came back with results that show some sort of infection (though I don’t have a fever, etc.). For now I’m not taking anything, but if I’m still not feeling right (sorta feels UTI-ish now) by Monday I’ll have my doc call in something. I just have to make it through my hearing Monday am, and then I can fall apart.
What a great perspective. I’m sorry you have been in “a valley” this summer. With your awesome attitude and strength I have no doubt you’ll soon be enjoying mountain tops. ((hugs))
Great blog about attitude. It’s everything, I tell you. Flip that frown to a smile and keep on keeping on. Some days is harder than others to do it, but mostly, I feel like you, blessed and happy. I was disappointed to hear about the Tony Robbins show being canceled as well. What a shame. This country needs all the positivity we can spread around and perspective on what it’s like to face REAL challenges and not the day to day crap we bring on ourselves half the time. Anyway, glad things went well with the unemployment. Been there, done that in my 20′s. I also won the challenge. BTW, I tried the zuccinni brown rice casserole you posted from SS/GF’s blog. YUMMO! Happy rest of August.
Colleen
@therevivalofme
Well you have had a rough summer! Rougher than most have to deal with. Piddly, you say. I say, you have a right to be a little down in the dumps.
One book that always cheers me up is Boethius’ “Consolation of Philosophy.” It was written in the mid-500s, so I’m not suggesting you read it. However, it’s all about how when life goes bad, it’s not our fault. There’s nothing we can do about it. It’s nature. Or as Boey calls it, fortune. Sometimes people have it good, sometimes bad. In order for some of us to have it good, others have to have it bad. You can see it in the workings of nature too – like in the seasons.
I don’t know why, but hearing this always comforts me.
Although I will say – kidney stone pain, from what I’ve heard – is beyond unfortunate. You’re right. You get through that, you can do anything.