Monday, April 9, 2012

Tough Times Part 2 - Empowered or Victimized?


Based on my last post I think it's fair to say that most of the circumstances in which we find ourselves are impartial. By this I mean they occur whether we like it or not and don't ask our permission to be here.

Also in my last post I used the example that a hurricane had entered the Gulf of Mexico and how weathermen responded positively and past hurricane victims responded negatively to this event. The point is that a hurricane “Is What It Is”! It’s a force of nature and, in most cases, will weaken, strengthen and its path be determined based upon atmospheric conditions, not our likes or dislikes.

The impartial events that occur on a regular basis in our lives (financial crisis, natural disasters, broken relationships, sickness and death, etc.) are there whether we like it or not. It's our resistance to and the emotions we attach to these events that cause us additional suffering and stress. Remember, stress is the number 1 cause of sickness and disease.

Have you ever noticed that the event causing us the stress is located outside of us? Have you also noticed the pain we feel that's related to this event is located inside of us? The point is that we are in charge of how we respond to external drama.

Now, I am not saying that we have to like what's going on in our life. What I am saying is the quality of our life is affected by the manner in which we respond to what's going on. This brings to mind the Serenity Prayer, which is recited at all Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. It reads:
"God grant us the serenity to
accept the things we cannot change,
courage to change the things we can,
and wisdom to know the difference."

You’ve got to understand that WE choose the quality of our lives. WE, CAN TAKE CHARGE of our response to the circumstances and situations in our life or, we can allow these circumstances and situations to take charge of us.


For instance, in the example of a hurricane,
WE take charge when we:

1. Determine a safe evacuation location based on the storms predicted path.
2. Make sure that our vehicles are gassed up and working properly.
3. Secure our homes and businesses to the best of our ability.

Notice that all of these activities begin with things WE CAN DO. We become empowered when WE take charge of how WE respond. Then, no matter what happens WE'RE READY TO DEAL WITH IT!

The HURRICANE takes charge of us when we think or say:

1. “What's going to happen to me now?”
2. I hope my car doesn't break down on me.
3 This storm is going to destroy me!


Notice in the above examples that WE seem to be hopeless and helpless as this same hurricane seemingly has its way with us. We then become the object/victim of its actions.

“It's up to us whether we become empowered by circumstances or become victimized by them.”

In my next post I will discuss “The Law of Cause and Effect” and how we can positively take charge of our lives.

If you have any questions or would like to comment, please fill free to do so.


Until next time, Thank you and God bless.

1 comment:

Alyssa said...

Thank you!