In the Midst of Battle

 

 

By Larnette Phillips

 

 

          There is no doubt that we, as a people, are experiencing, difficult times on the economic front—and its boomerang effect trickles down to touch all of us in one form or another. 

          Most of know someone who is facing foreclosure—or has already lost their home.  We most likely know someone who has also lost their job, their car, their health insurance—and sadly, their life savings.

          In a world where we are assaulted with negativity, what do you do if you’re one of the ones who has fallen victim to these difficult times?

          First of all—

 

• Get up!  No battle was ever won with your face flat on the floor.
• Remember that it is not what lies behind you that matters, but rather what lies ahead.
• You must remember that you, my friend, are larger than the adversity you face—whatever its name, or whatever the disguise under which it masquerades—it cannot beat you.  That is, unless you allow it to do so.
• Mountains were meant to be climbed and often, the victory is in how you climb it.  Even though it may look insurmountable, if you climb it the right way, you will, in time, find yourself at the top of the mountain.

 

Now, I bet you’re thinking “but you don’t know what just happened to me—“ 

No, I probably don’t, but I know what has happened to me in times past—and I know what it’s like to feel as though you are up against a brick wall.  So, when faced with a brick wall—

 

• Run straight toward it with all your might and whatever you do, don’t let it stand in your way.  If you must, get up and climb over it, jump around it, or even battle your way through it but—
• Don’t stand still.

 

In moments of despair, focus on the goodness that is in your life and start by making a list, however short it may be.  Take that inventory list and look at it:

 

• Is your health good?  That’s a positive!
• Do you have people that love you and support you?
• If you’ve been laid off from your job, now is the time to focus on what is unique about you.  And we are all unique.  What is it that you can do better than anyone else?
• Turn talents, hobbies and what used to be extracurricular interests into making money. 
• Do whatever you do best and put your best shine on it.

 

The Three Foot Circle

 

          We all have a three-foot circle—family, friends, neighbors, co-workers or former co-workers—and you may even have networking associations nearby that have been of value to you.

          If you don’t have much money, and you can make something, make only a few and then tell everyone within your three foot circle.  Then ask them to tell five other people about what you do.

          Before long, what started as a three-foot circle will grow into something much larger.

 

In the Midst of Loss

 

          If you have lost your home, your car, your job and your savings, it is vitally important for you to realize that it is not your fault.  Pat yourself on the back that you did the best you again.

          More importantly, remember that what you built before, you can build again. 

          Remember that a home is more than brick and mortar—it’s about family, about love and about a place where dreams and love can grow.  So, if your home was taken and you know live in a small rental, make it a home—a place where dreams can catch fire and love is rekindled.

          Be thankful.  Share your gifts – whatever they are – with others.  Commit to living your life in service to others. 

          Believe, with all your heart, in the law of reciprocity—that what you give away comes back to you—and it will—in due time.

 

Connecting

 

          Connect yourself to people that matter.  If someone told you they were your friend and took a nosedive the minute you hit troubled waters, perhaps it’s time to reevaluate that “friendship”.  A true friend will not abandon you in the day of adversity and when you’re in the ditch, they’ll get in it with you.

          Let go of people and things that encumbered you—thereby freeing yourself up to receive new people in your life and things of meaning.  “Things of meaning” could be learning to appreciate a beautiful sunrise or sunset, really hearing the laughter of a child, spending quality time with an elderly parent, reading that novel you’ve put off reading for so long. 

 

Be Unafraid to Dream

 

          You are never too old to begin again.  And you are certainly never too old to dream again.  Don’t throw your dreams in the trash can just because your life has been turned upside down.

          Dust off those dreams, get out a new canvas and paint a new dream.  What is your passion?  What do you really want to do more than anything but were always afraid to do?  Step out of your comfort zone and just give wings to your dreams.  When you do, you will be surprised at what happens to give them flight.

 

And one day you will look back on all the losses and the hardship and whisper a silent thank you, because it just might have been the best thing that ever happened to you.

 

“The only things we lose when we go through the fire are the things that bound us…”