My Life

 

I’m having some problems.

Nothing major.

Nothing new.

Nothing I can’t handle with God’s help.

However, it occurred to me this morning that my journey to this realization and confidence has been a long one. I have weathered a lot of storms and survived a multitude of experiences to arrive at the current phase of my life.

When I was younger I had the misguided notion that I was the “only one” doing whatever I was doing or experiencing whatever was driving me insane at the moment. And at times my life truly did border on insane.

I think I made two major mistakes during my twenties and thirties and even into my early forties: 1. Pride- I seldom asked advice from anyone and preferred to “suffer in silence” or “solve my own problems”. Sometimes I was successful and sometimes I wasn’t. Failures were generally due to my own lack of knowledge and experience. 2. Shame-I didn’t think anyone else was having the same problems or could be as foolish, so I was ashamed to tell anyone that I was!

Of course the middle ground, self-confidence based on knowledge and experience, didn’t come to me until I was fifty. I still have a few days when I doubt my abilities, my intelligence, and even my sanity, but overall I am pleased with myself and my life. Now, in my sixties, when I am faced with a problem, I can look back and see how God has guided me through similar situations in the past and how people have helped me and how I’ve handled problems successfully or not so successfully. Each experience makes my current life less stressful and more enjoyable than previous decades. And yes, I’m old enough now to use that astonishing term. I know there are major problems and traumatic experiences ahead of me, but I know about those problems and life experiences because I have friends and family members who have already gone through them. And I am wise enough now to seek their counsel and support when I need them.

Whatever your age or current situation, I hope you realize that you are not alone and that others are eager to help you deal with your problems. I refuse to believe, as I read recently on FB, that most people don’t want to hear your problems because they simply don’t care. If that is truly the case for you, then you are hanging out with the wrong crowd and just need to find some new friends!

Be kind to yourself and have a good day!

Comments

[Gwen Wilemon]

Wise words. Thank you for sharing!

[Megan]

Friends always care even if they're a day late and a dollar short.

I hope you find peace and strength during your struggles. We always include you in our prayers.

[Shireen]

Very insightful-helped me think through some things. You're a writer as well as a photographer. Thank you for the encouragement :-)