Did you know that when you google the term “Hard Times” there are a myriad of things that pop up in response to your search? A video by Paramore, a Hard Times trailhead in Buncombe County to hike close to us, a movie, a cafe, and of course a book by Charles Dickens. But what I am thinking about today falls into the none of the above category.
The hard times I am thinking about are those times when life seems to just be caving in all around and it is difficult to catch your breath. I know so many people that are going through those particular hard times right now and sometimes I just feel so helpless. We’ve all been there at one time or another in our lives and when I reflect back on what meant the most to me when I was going through said hard times it was the simple phone call (or today’s alternative – the text message), a freshly baked loaf of banana bread or the offer to pick something up from the store for me. The tangible things that really touched me were the things that you can’t really buy.
Medical crisis, grief, job loss, and maybe for me just the realization that I am getting older are all things that can cause difficulties. At 62 I realize that I have more runway behind me than in front of me and that makes me pause. How did I get here? It was just yesterday Micah and Aaron were toddlers and I was enjoying every day watching them discover new things. Now I do that with our grandson but when I think about if I will be here to see his children someday I wonder if that is a reality. I am not being morbid about it – just wondering.
While my thoughts about getting older don’t really qualify for “hard times” at this point I can totally understand how they could overtake and become destructive if I allow them. So I don’t. I focus on the here and now and what I can do today to be happy and to bring happiness to others.
Do you feel like you are experiencing hard times? My thoughts for you today are to focus on the positives in your life. If you are a religious person – seek God in prayer. I always find peace in the comfort of my spiritual practices and while not everyone shares my faith I believe that there is strength in knowing that I have a God that loves me. One of my favorite podcasts – Ok Boomer – with Jean and Laura had a nice segment about positive affirmations. Laura added a twist to doing the “worldly” affirmations which I really liked. She has gone more spiritual and instead of focusing only on herself she has tagged on a spiritual component which I love. Some examples she included are: “I am filled with joy because Christ is my strength.” and “I am worthy of love because God loves me that much.” Aren’t those a wonderful mix of affirmation and spiritual awareness?
So today please take time to take care of yourself. If you are going through hard times right now spend some time focusing on taking care of yourself. However you need to do it. If it is to just distance yourself from the difficult situation for a couple of hours by reading or taking a walk – just do it. And always –if you need a friend, I am here. Thanks for reading today.
Don’t forget our Comments for a Cause for August is Augustine Literacy – you can read more about that here.
