Today's Forecast: Progress

I would like to make a suggestion. I would like anyone reading this to sit back and really think about progress you have made in your life. Think about where you were when you started, and think about the end result (whether you have gotten it or are still working on it). Easy, right?

So, now, look at what it took to get there. What it took for you to be able to say progress has been made. Look at how much effort was/is being put into it, how much time, pain, blood, sweat, tears, long days, and days where you felt like giving up. Only the people going through it seem to remember what those parts felt like.

My point is: progress isn't all that pretty. Just because someone appears to be regressing, or appears to be "moody" all the time, it doesn't mean they aren't making great strides to get to where they want to be in their life. It means they are in the midst of their storm and they are working through it. They aren't just waiting for the storm to pass them by...they are hunkered down, protecting themselves from flying debris, which we call triggers, and they are doing everything in their power to make sure the foundation of their shelter (their sense of being) stays in tact. That is not an easy feat! That is a lot of work!

It is not our job to understand their "weather patterns", but for the sake of humanity, we should feel responsible for supporting the journey, respecting the efforts, and not to take their behaviors personally. A simple smile, a random fist bump or high-five, a little note of encouragement goes a very long way. We often underestimate the simplicity of good we can do for others. Life is sometimes a struggle...and the struggle is real. No one should have to go through the struggles alone. No one should feel judged for slip ups, mistakes, or bad days....we all have them.

Progress isn't just moving forward. It is learning to move out of your own way to even see what forward looks like. For some, it is learning how to even walk again. We work on gaining balance, taking steps, and eventually running to your envisioned destination, so how can we expect not to trip, slip, fall, or even crash at some point along the way? Is that realistic? No! Some of us choose the long way, having to go through more obstacles. Some of us know shortcuts. Either way, your destination is just that...YOURS. So while you may be sailing through life right now, has it always been that way? Who and what helped put the wind in those sails? Could you have done it without them?

I ask these questions hoping to set the foundation for realizing that just because someone appears to be doing badly, it does not mean they are...in fact, in many cases, it is quite the opposite. But how would you ever know if you never take the time to say, " Hey, I have noticed things have changed a little and just wanted to check in to see if  you are okay, or if there is anything I could do." This sounds a lot more productive and helpful then "Dude, what the hell is your problem lately?"

Lend a hand to someone, don't use it to slap them. If you are out of hands, you still have ears, so just let them be heard. It is amazing what you can learn, and we could ALL use more learning. Struggles don't make us any less human, but overcoming the struggles makes us stronger ones....and helping other's through theirs makes us real ones.

Be real.

Peace and Joy,
Beth