Do you want to start over?
WOW … what a loaded question, huh? Let’s be totally honest. We have all had days, weeks, months and perhaps even years in our lifetime that we wish we could do over. It is human nature for us to want to go back and change things that didn’t go well or take back things we said or did that we later regretted.
Quite frankly, I think it is one of the reasons we humans are so enamored with the idea of time travel. The opportunity to go back in time and ‘right the wrongs’ done to us, or erase those bad occurrences that left a stain upon our otherwise perfect lives. Just hit the reset button and start over.
And why not? Computers have reset buttons, so do most smart devices today. Heck, in golf we have a number of opportunities to make up for a bad shot(s). There are “gimmes”, “mulligans”, ball drops, etc. So, why not we humans? Where’s our reset button?
“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” – Maria Robinson
Unfortunately, there are no “do overs” in real life. No time travel, no gimmes, mulligans, etc. that would allow us to auto correct or avoid life’s imperfections altogether. There is only living each and every day to the fullest, regardless of the outcome. Besides, what we have learned about time travel from Sci-Fi movies tells us that going back in time and altering the past would cause a ripple effect and do more harm than good.
Rather than feeling compelled to search for the reset button, what should we do instead to overcome adversity when it does strike and get back on the right track? Here are five thoughts to consider:
- This is not the end. What is happening to you right now, good or bad, is temporary, not an “End of Days” event. Don’t allow it to consume your life.
- No one is immune. We will all face adversity on some level in our lifetime. Don’t shrink from it when it strikes. Take corrective action and find strength by working through it.
- Eliminate negative self-talk. No matter how difficult your journey might seem, there are millions of people around the world that would trade places with you in a heartbeat. So, stay positive about your life and the future.
- No pity parties or blame games. Avoid the common tendency to feel sorry for yourself when things don’t go your way, or to point fingers at others. Keep in mind that we are 100% responsible for our own happiness, no one else.
- Focus on the now. Don’t allow those bad things that have affected you in the past to become a part of your future reality. Leave the past where it belongs.
A part of living a full life is accepting the fact that full does not mean perfect. However, despite our circumstances, each of us has the capacity to change, to grow, and to accomplish great things. By moving beyond adversity the right way, we will be in a much better position to get the most out of our lives, and become the best version of ourselves in the process.
So, if you are hurting or in a bad place, start today by working on a new ending.
Enjoy the journey!
John
COPYRIGHT © 2016 John Carroll