New Year means different things to different people. Some like to put the emphasis on celebration (well the Scot’s do!), others can feel afraid of the uncertainty of the unknown which lies ahead, especially if they are troubled at the time the year changes.
Others may use it as a chance to be relieved and see the back of a difficult year. But then, there is a fourth category – those who feel energised at the prospect of new beginnings – a fresh start with new opportunities.
2011 has begun with some very sobering news headlines here in the United Kingdom. Our Australian readers are witnessing unprecedented rainfall with devastating consequences for Queensland. Speaking with my brother who lives in Brisbane with his wife and family he tells me that he is now only 40minutes drive from the towns being washed away, but is thankful of that distance.
Our American readers have witnessed assassination attempts on their congressman and here in the United Kingdom some parts of the country are plagued by difficult weather conditions costing British businesses millions.
No doubt you have challenges in your country too. So anyone receiving a blog entitled “New opportunities” today amidst all this sad news could be forgiven for feeling it is difficult to think of new opportunities at this particular time.
Can I just say on behalf of everyone at P.S Life Can BE Easy, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time if you feel troubled by any events of 2011.
But back to new opportunities; I know that many of you readers are inspired to make new progress this year with your chosen working and private lives. So I hope there is something in this week’s message for all of you, however small. As I write, my father of 82 years is lying in casualty after a bad fall, and too ill to take an operation. So I am looking for “new opportunities” this morning too!
I will share with you an exercise I use which helps me when faced with troubles or adversity. Some years ago I developed the habit of telling myself when things do not go according to plan “everything happens for a reason, even if I do not yet understand the reason why.”
What I discovered was that by taking this approach it lessens the blow or the feeling of despondency. It also allows us too detach a bit from the situation, where our egos would always like to be in control. In other words, by chilling, relaxing on the anxiety and ‘letting go’ on the situation, we free and de-stress ourselves from a feeling of overwhelm, worry or sense of defeat.
There are many things we cannot control in life. But we can try to create new beginnings and opportunities. It’s another way of saying “every cloud has a silver lining”. Please do not think this is meant insensitively to anyone coping with adversity right now; I do understand how you feel, as best I can.
10 hours ago, I received an emergency call during the night regarding my father. It left me thinking perhaps his time had almost come after 8 weeks of visiting him in hospital.
I used the same process to help me and it did. “Everything happens for a reason even if I do not yet understand the reason why”. It helped me and I hope it will help you too. Meanwhile to all of you who are enjoying a great start to 2011 with exciting plans – keep looking for new opportunities too!
New opportunities are what keep us alive, energised and moving forward. We would not have them if we did not have to accept the closing of doors too. It’s the balance and swing of life – the yin and the yang.
Wishing you loads of fruitful new beginnings, for you and yours, regardless of the circumstances you may find yourself in today.
Have a great week,
Billy
