I am not really a ‘why me’ kind of girl. I am more of a ‘what can I learn from this’ or ‘how can someone else be helped by learning from my mis-judgements.’ It just seems more productive doesn’t it? Otherwise, what is the point? Having said the previous the downside to it is I am very much not a girl who is open to hearing complaining, repetitious whining and/or excuses.
Part of my lack of tolerance was born out of a conversation in the hospital about seventeen years ago. It took place right before my Father died. I was in my twenties. I remember a friend of the family, a Pastor, being there while my Father was still in a coma. This Pastor had a son that died tragically while still young. And while in the hospital, I do not recall who, but someone asked this Pastor about his son’s death and ‘why his family?’ Pastor’s response was, “Why not? No one is exempt from life’s opportunities for growth and sharing; and sometimes it comes in a package that begins with pain.”
That Pastor’s comment was a pivot point for me. I signal to be kind and gentle with all who are facing challenges. However, for me it is also attached with the premise of ‘you must at least be trying.’ I don’t care if you are trying and struggling, trying and failing, trying and restructuring, doesn’t matter. Just try.
Trying is movement, forward movement. Although Homer Simpson did say “Trying is the first step in failing,” trying beats whining and/or immobility every time. I guarantee this. Next time you are stuck, or overwhelmed or tempted to say ‘why me’ remember, ‘why not’ you. And remember the following when you are whiling away hours, days, weeks, etc. coming up with your laundry list of excuses and instead switch your game up and try: