Happiness comes. Happiness goes. Challenges come, and they go…
The world we live in changes. Sometimes we like what’s happening. Sometimes we lament for the past. Sometimes we worry about the future.
This is all a part of the human context – joy, suffering, change.
But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to truly accept reality, however it shows up – especially if the new reality invokes fear, worry, or upheaval…
It’s not easy, but we can become more flexible. We can learn to cope.
We can actually thrive.
Two things that are crucial in your journey of accepting and rolling with what life throws at you are:
- Focusing on your sphere of influence
- Remembering your bigger life purpose
Your Sphere of Influence
This is where you can really shine. Because this is all you truly have to work with.
Your sphere of influence is what you can do and what you have.
Surely there are many things that you are concerned about, that you deeply care about. And yet, not everything is within your hands to do something about.
We need to let the world do what it will do. Let people live their lives. Accept that, inevitably, disasters come and go…
When you give your life energy, your heart, and your attention to what you can influence, you feel empowered. Little by little, you’re back in charge of something again.
You’re not a victim to the hands of fate, you’re someone who is choosing to use your tiny amount of power to do something positive.
What is your sphere of influence?
Take a look at your relationships and responsibilities. What can you do to bring more of yourself to your life?
Focusing on your sphere of influence is a key to thriving. It’s humbling yet empowering, and puts you back in the driver’s seat of your life.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
Your Big Life Purpose
In this modern world we live in, with beeping and buzzing and world news and pandemics – it would be no surprise if you get majorly distracted. Upset. Anxious. Lost. Depressed…
Getting distracted is normal, but how quickly can you return to your center?
Do you notice when you’re distracted from what truly matters most to you?
What practices and structures are in your life to keep you focused on the bigger picture?
The reason why you need to remember your bigger life purpose is because it will actually help you transcend all the ups and downs of life. Because guess what?
Life purpose is not dependent on external circumstances.
The purpose of any human being’s life can be boiled down to this: being the best version of yourself and leaving an impact.
Now, how we each define that can vary greatly. We all have our unique gifts to share. But the essence is the same.
We all want to have been the best version of ourselves and to leave a positive impact on the world. And you can do that anywhere –
No. Matter. What. Life. Throws. At. You.
You can do your best in any given circumstance. And you can help others.
Life is going to utterly challenge you. There will be moments of joy and celebration. And there will be moments of heartbreak and frustration.
But who are you going to be through it all? How can you serve through it all?
“Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult – once we truly understand and accept it – then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.”
– M. Scott Peck, The Road Less Traveled
Thriving in life is not about everything going to script.
It’s about rolling with the punches, getting back up on our feet, doing what we can, and showing up as our best selves, day after day.
