You know those times when you think one more thing can't possibly go wrong and then your keys go missing? I had one of those days recently, starting off with stopping at a Dunkin Donuts at 6:30 a.m. to buy coffee for 24 people for an 8 a.m. meeting on the South Side, when the thunderstorm started. "It's pouring," I thought, and added, "Of course it is!" Five people showed up for the meeting. The day continued downhill from there.
We all have those periods in our lives when nothing seems to go right or when we are feeling down. Many of us are able to recognize the bad time for what it is and know that things will get better. For some reason, last Thursday, as I rolled my eyes and sighed at each 'of course it is' moment throughout the day, I thought about those people for whom those feelings are their norm.
There are dear people in my life who are helped to stave off the constant "of course it is" through chemicals. While great strides have been made in understanding and treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and so on, I wish it were more. I wish the clouds on the horizon for so many were cumulus instead of stormy. Having to be vigilant and constant in fighting off 'of course it is' must be so much more exhausting than the energy my occasional visits into that world require.
I guess this is part of the walk a mile in someone else's shoes philosophy. Perhaps you'll have an "of course it is" moment this week, that is, something will give you a chance to experience the world from another's view. Take advantage of it, for it's one thing that can help build bridges.
Marilyn
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