Discussion: Life Presents Us…
Belinda M. Lane
October 14, 2022
In my life I have stood up tall, been bent over and dropped and rolled when there was no fire. I have shouted (danced) down church aisles, stumbled to the altar and laid on that same altar waiting to hear my voice, mostly God’s voice. As I pause and glance around my life, I smile. I have made it. I’m still here.
Life presents us with so many opportunities for us to realize where we are in our growth process… mentally and spiritually. Opportunities that determine how we are actually performing each day. When people tell you, you are not the same, you and they should be very afraid when you try to assure them you have not changed. Why haven’t you changed? This may account for the adults who still wear children clothing… inward. I heard someone on a talk show speaking about how their spouse had changed and they weren’t getting along in their marriage anymore. The host asked the guest, have you changed? With a quick answer the guest replied, “No, I have been the same for the past 25 years”. The host replied, “so your spouse has been growing throughout life and you haven’t”?
I think what was being said is essentially I’m the same. Still, how do you see no self-growth as you make your claim? Life calls for change, no, life demand change. Individuals around you at work, friends or family members will press you or put a demand on you to make decisions or not to make decisions… Causing Change! Throughout my life there were moments I didn’t know or recognize me. The face looking back at me showed deep etched lines. Then there were occasions, I passed a mirror and my smile stopped me in my tracks?
Last month was Suicide Prevention month. That is the focus of a training this weekend in my area. I can personally speak of being able to recognize the signs and the losses of this act of suicide. Knowing of ones seeking to escape a temporary situation in the incorrect way. No matter how long it may seem, daylight invariably follows night. All the seasons bring their own weather forecast, causing changes in our clothing attire, and adjusting our thermostats.
Life can say “boo” and can cause someone to fall. Life can hit someone so hard that it knocks the breath practically out of them and they still keep standing. Are you truly the same as you were 10, 15, or 20 years ago? Why would you even wish to be the same? Growth is rewarding. It’s a fulfilling experience. For some it actually will change friends who you thought were friends for life to temporary ones, but leaving you with precious memories of fun and wonderful experiences spent together. Life will walk you through the death of love one’s like a crutch, minimizing your movement. While you reclaim your life of loss love one(s) without who you thought you couldn’t survive without.
Life as our master teacher. We embrace it and the changes or we flounder through it. Either approach, we will go through life as long as there is breath in our body. How we pass through life is undoubtedly up to us. No matter the circumstances, you choose the action (s) you want to apply. Laugh or cry, the decision came from within you. To be bitter and angry, still the decision comes from you. How do you face change? Do the circumstances repeatedly change you, or do you select to change the circumstances? If there is a ditch in front of you, do you continue to walk and fall into it? Or do you jump across, step around it or turn around and walk back from the ditch?
I believe we steadily transforming, our body features are and so are our inner self. Change gives you a chance to experience living in many forms. I reiterate, growth is rewarding with fulfilling experiences.
Thank you for joining me for Friday at Sundown. Remember… Just Breathe!
Belinda M. Lane. All rights reserved.
Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Dial 988
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you
800-273-8255
Domestic Violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline can help victims, survivors of domestic violence. Call 1-800-799-7233. Chat w/an advocate on our website. National Domestic Violence Hotline: www.thehotline.org/
Aid for Military Veterans
In an attempt to cope with the pain of overwhelming emotions, sometimes veterans turn to unhealthy relationships, at-risk behaviors, or substance abuse.
Welcome Home is Celebrate Recovery's (CR) tool to help veterans stuck in hurts, hang-ups, and habits. (These statements are from CR’s Homepage). You are not alone! https://www.welcomehome.celebraterecovery.com