People say that problems are merely opportunities turned inside out. I’m not sure that’s how the actual saying goes, but work with me. Instead of whining or succumbing to the pressure of hardship, we can help ride the waves of upset by viewing it in a positive light. While I’m all for positivity, I’m having difficulty recognizing the reasons for all the challenges life has thrown me these past seven months. If problems equal opportunities, why am I so blessed?
Let’s start at the beginning.
Around the beginning of June, Ed and I faced Problem #1. It had been a while since anything terrible had happened to us, so you could say we were past due. So when this problem, oops, I mean “opportunity,” popped up, I guess you could say we could handle the stress. So what was the problem? It’s so horrific and personal I vowed not to speak of it other than to refer to it as “The Issue,” but it involves an invasion of privacy, mental health, and everything in between.
The Issue continued for an additional three months, when Problem #2, Covid, sidelined me for these three months, too. Now, Ed and I were juggling two opportunities rolled into one. Finally, in mid-November, everything quieted down, and as things became normal again, it was time to reflect. We were among the many who took stock of their lives before bringing in a New Year. What had we learned from our experience? How had we grown?
This was the perfect opportunity to make a gratitude list. Sometimes, during times of difficulty, we can see the thorns without taking the time to smell the fragrant flower. Fortunately, during the months of suffering, I named three things I was grateful for every night. It brought me out of my worry and gave my heart a good reason to smile. So, in December, I gathered these pieces of good fortune and named them. Sometimes, seeing the good in front of you can help you leave the past behind.
So, as I set pen to paper, I put the following on my gratitude list. First, I survived an extreme illness. Second, Ed and I grew stronger as a loving couple, and third, now with the Issue resolved, we’ve recovered our mental health. And the list goes on and on. But to avoid boring you, I’ll keep the listing to myself.
We’re in a new year, and I’ve promised to keep a gratitude jar. You know, a jar filled with notes over the next twelve months of things that went right. I guess you could call them “opportunities” at their best. So, now with Problem #3, our beloved cat’s newfound kidney disease, we are off on our next adventure to sift through opportunities for gratitude.
I’m ready to fill my gratitude jar with its first entry — we saved Skye’s life. For now. With a sick cat, we’re weathering our newest storm, thrusting us into unfamiliar territory, but with positivity on our side, I know we can do this. It’s just another growth spurt. Still, I must admit. I’ll be forever grateful once we get to the other side.
It’s been a busy writing month. I’ve entered a January 31-Day Challenge, which has been exactly that—challenging in time and emotional intensity, and I’ve written other stories too. Here are two I’ve written this month, including my story about Skye, for those who wish to follow our journey.
Wow, this month has gone by fast. See you in February.
Sending love,