In life you can never be too kind or too fair; everyone you meet is carrying a heavy load. When you go through your day expressing kindness and courtesy to all you meet, you leave behind a feeling of warmth and good cheer, and you help alleviate the burdens everyone is struggling with. ~Brian Tracy
Yesterday, my friend was told they eliminated her position. She received a nice severance package, but she is still faced with “What do I do next, I’m almost 50?”. So I asked her, “What did you always want to do but couldn’t because you were too busy working?”. Her eyes lit up, she smiled and said she always wanted to be an event planner. She got so excited and started planning her next steps towards reinventing herself to pursue her passion. Sometimes these terrible things that happen to us are blessings in disguise.
A little reminder of what can be as opposed to dwelling on what just happened can lift someone’s spirits. I understand that we all have burdens to bear and losing a job on top of the problems you already have can make it more challenging. But I chose to steer her in the direction of new possibilities instead of self-pity. I also pointed out the changes she will be experiencing, the sacrifices she will need to make and a new set of challenges she will be facing.
Today, I will give her some flowers to congratulate her on losing her job and on her new venture. I will let her know how much I admire her faith and strength. If you’re experiencing some problems right now, I give you this flower, a hug and a reminder to be strong and to do your best to keep moving forward. Things happen for a reason and you don’t need to understand why.
One more thing. There’s this song I love to share with friends in need. Whether you’re a Christian or not, the words are beautiful and may help you. I hope you have a great weekend! Hugs to all!
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Very nice of you to send her flowers as congrats for losing her job. How cool it that! 🙂
She loved it!
Christine, what an inspirational message! Thank you so much for this. So many people are being challenged now and your story gives them hope.
You’re welcome Lorraine. Hope is such a powerful thing and can be the difference between survival and defeat.
Great post!! I know exactly what your friend is going through — and this way of making a misfortune be an opportunity!
Yes, it’s my way of eating dessert first. Life’s just too short to dwell on the negative.
Christine, that is such a wonderful thought. You are a very dear friend, indeed. Thanks for the reminder. I got up in a grouchy mood on this dark, rainy day and it helped remind me that it’s really not all about me! Love you.
What a great post! I have long been a proponent of being thankful for everything that happens in our lives, because we don’t always see the blessings in disguise until much later. If we expect blessings, then that’s what we’ll get.
I agree!