Each day is an opportunity
for you to feel like a failure when your expectations aren’t met or doubts
enter about your unknown future. As a young friend of mine said I feel so
confused. My reply was: This is a
world of confusion. So much is happening so fast, that’s it’s difficult to stay
in one place and not feel frazzled. What
can you do? Focus on the positive, develop faith in some belief system that
gives direction and purpose to your life as you struggle with each day’s
challenges. When you blame others including God for problems, gratitude takes a
back seat and can be replaced by perfectionism, frustration, and depression.
The cry of today’s youth and many adults is That’s not fair. As IF life is suppose to be fair and supply all our
needs and desires with little effort required on our part. Trust in the plan,
learn from your experiences. Don’t fight them, embrace them for the lessons
they bring. For those who have struggled with raising teenagers, you probably
tried to teach your children that life isn’t fair, but there are rewards to be gained from soldiering
through the difficult times, leaning on your faith and supportive friends and
loving family for encouragement.
The concept of looking at
life as a glass half full rather than
half empty will help you avoid feelings of
failure. Optimism is contagious and necessary for the development of faith in
self and life’s purpose. There is a reason you are here on earth in a family
and in this community: to struggle and learn from adversity. Celebrate your
efforts then share the wisdom gained with others.
This is not a random
universe-there are laws and natural forces that keep everything in check and
moving in its proper orbit. Everyone is governed by laws and natural forces. Stimulus––response, action––reaction, mistake––consequences,
failures–––learning. Don’t hate or doubt the schoolmaster who developed this
curriculum. Just spend time reflecting, appreciating and learning from your
stumbles and develop your faith and cultivate hope in the many blessings that
come.