Wisdom

I’ve kept track. I’m good at math, after all. So far I’ve survived 100% of my worst days. As my dear old Dad would say,”This too shall pass.” Dad wouldn’t boost me up, telling me that I was strong and could survive anything. Nope. He just gave me hope things would change. Circumstances may look pretty darn horrible at times, but they’re only temporary.

Another thing Dad advised me was: “Life isn’t fair.” Your best friend got the job you wanted? Your boyfriend broke up with you? Whatever the coveted situation, life wasn’t fair. Don’t expect it to be. Put on your big girl panties and carry on.

One more phrase often heard during my childhood was:” It will build character!” All I can say is, well, Dad, look at the character I’ve become!  I’m strong, resilient and hoping for the best outcome. Our family is struggling with some challenges. Dad always counseled to “prepare for the worst, hope for the best.”

I can hardly see the “best” some days but I know it’s out there. We’re a strong family. We’ve been through tough times. But, we’ve survived every worst day so far. We’re on one of those rickety old wooden roller coasters. We’ve gone down that steep hill, eyes wide with terror, and you know what? We’re going to go on up, stay on the track after all.

One thing I know is true. So many of the terrible things I feared, well, they were simply that: fears. They never came to materialize. Stay hopeful. Lean on friends and family. Pray. Then, let it go.  Life is good- fantastic-  most of the time. Stay strong.

This too shall pass.  Stay in your seat until the ride comes to a complete stop. Meanwhile,  hold on tight!