March on. Do not tarry. To go forward is to move toward
perfection. March on, and fear not the thorns, or the sharp stones on life’s
path.
Kahil Gibran
“Life
is difficult.” In Dr. M. Scott Peck’s well known book, The Road Less Traveled, this is the first sentence. Startling at
first glance, but when we think about these words, it’s very true. Dr. Peck goes on to say that once we accept
this fact, life becomes less difficult because this fact no longer matters.
Keep
going ISO (In Spite of).
We then
focus on the many roads ahead, knowing as we proceed on our odyssey that some
truths will become evident. One such truth is that we ourselves sometimes get in our
own way and create difficulty. Other times we show out brilliantly, handling our business. Hard stuff
happens and none of us are immune. Wonderful times roll around and we all get
to celebrate.
Most of
life actualizes somewhere in the middle and that is where we learn—traveling on
what appears to be a ‘long and winding’ road.
I’ve (literally) broken down on the road yet
found inspiration in the words of a gospel song that relates, “Nobody told me the road would
be easy; I don't believe he brought me this far to leave me.” These words help me to
recognize and use my IPS (Internal Positioning System) more.
What I’ve
come to terms with on this journey we call life is that I have experienced a
lot and will experience much more. This range of events has presented many
emotions for me, reflective of things I’ve missed and things I’ve cherished. I’m
sometimes lonely for a mate, yet proud of what God has allowed me to
accomplish. I lament relationships that fell into dysfunction, yet relish those
that remain in alignment. I revel in joy over family rites of passage and sometimes
sink in sorrow over those who’ve transitioned to be with the Lord. I’ve learned
that you can’t always count on those closest to you, but strangers of immense
kindness will pass along your way.
At either
end of this spectrum, coping is what we do. We learn how to wipe out and
negotiate and handle what’s thrown our way—it’s the Navigator’s mission. Facing
the fact that no one roadway will put us exactly where we would like to be, we
internalize this tough lesson. With no guarantees for happiness, we reach for
it where we can find it. Oftentimes we’ve heard others say (or have thought to
ourselves), "If I get this or that then
I'll be happy." Trying to keep up with others in current lifestyle
trends usually leads to temporary satisfaction, but an ultimate return to
dissatisfaction. The important thing is to keep our focus and be optimistic
even in the most challenging of times. Where
we are is where we are.
Understand
that the roads of life are best paved with managed expectations.
Excerpted from my motivational autobiography, Navigating Life’s Roadways:
Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey in print
and Kindle eBook http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008FQDPYE
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