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I had an “expected” curveball this past week. I don’t want to share what it is with you at this time. However, it is interesting to me how even I notice the changes in my attitude, tone and disposition when placed into crisis mode.
Crisis is a harsh word for this situation. In fact, it’s not a crisis at all. It was “expected” because what happened is a hug and a handshake agreement a few years ago. It’s funny though, even what we expected to happen can affect us in so many different ways. And, I don’t think we can ever be ready for it when it does happen.
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I’m not comparing my situation to death. Yet, I know this will help you understand my rambling.
Our parent or friend is growing older and has developed a serious illness. We know the illness will cause their death and in some ways we want it to. Anything to take our loved ones pain away.
However, when the death does occur, even though it was expected….we just aren’t ready.
Again, I have to stress. My situation is a positive situation and I am no where relating this situation to a death of a loved one.
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Curveball; something which is unexpected, surprising, or disruptive
Not all curveballs are to be matched with a negative situation. Some curveballs can be exciting, some can be disruptive and others can actually help with our own growth development.
The only thing 100% sure is the curveball itself. In life, they will happen. More often, more than once.
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The real question is “how do you manage that curveball coming at you?”
- Do you duck
- Do you step aside?
- Do you stand up tall, fight back?
- Do you process it and attack immediately?
I am definitely the processor. I also find that under stress I seem to be more productive. I get more done and I’m able to compartmentalize everything.
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Maybe a month or two ago, I mentioned something to my husband and literally said “I shouldn’t put this out there”.
Guess what? Exactly what I did put out there, has happened.
I’m a huge believer on not “putting something out there”. Or, if have a positive you are hoping for….absolutely put it out there.
Life is a boomerang. Everything eventually comes back at us. Even our words.
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When I think back at some of the curveballs I have come into throughout my entire life. It boggles my mind.
I’ve bounced back from every one of them, or did I just grow in my own development?
When I look back at what happened to me, how I was treated or the mean people in my life, I realize that each next step was the best thing that could have happened to me.
My now marriage after a very nasty divorce, is a perfect example.
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I’ve realized that every situation is not by chance, it’s by design. By whom or what, THAT I don’t know. I can tell you though, it really is stupid crazy how it all works out for the best anyway.
The problem is, we can’t see that as we are going though it. Keeping positive thoughts and only thinking of all the good in the situation and not the bad, is what keeps us going. Being positive in these type or really any situation, is the key.
In 2002 a friend of mine sent me this card. It speaks to me a million times and I try to live it everyday.
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Walk your path one step at a time – with courage, faith and determination. Keep your head up, and cast your dreams to the stars. Soon your steps will become firm, and your footing will be solid again. A path that you never imagined will become the most comfortable direction you could have ever hoped to follow. Keep your belief in yourself and walk into your new journey. You will find it magnificent, spectacular, and beyond your wildest imaginations.
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As we begin this Holiday season, you might be thrown a curve ball or two. Could be anything from snow days or illness or even the loss of an employee or employee(s).
Remember, this curveball is just the next piece of growth in your development. Every curveball you will learn how to manage, you will learn how to delegate, you will learn how to think ahead, get your ducks in a row and go through all of this and more with peace.
Peace is so calming and although everyone says peace comes from within, I believe peace comes from being organized, being prepared and systematic in what you know what needs to be done. If all this happens, when you have to live through the worse of it, you are at peace.
I can say this because of our recent scare with Hurricane Ian originally targeted for a direct hit into Tampa Bay. It wasn’t until the last minute, he turned and unfortunately hit our friends south.
Yet, through it all I was very much at peace. I prepared our office and my husband secured our house. I took videos of the contents of our house and felt safe knowing we were in a hurricane prepared building. Our house is cement block with hurricane windows and doors and a good roof. We also had all insurances in hand and ready if needed.
My husband prepared the pool as needed and I strategically placed candles and flashlights throughout the house.
There’s more to that story but the message is, I felt very much at peace and was prepared for what came next. It was that day, I realized what the true meaning of being at peace is.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]
So when that curveball hits you, stay strong, think positive and absorb the growth. It’s really a beautiful thing.
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I’ll share my curve ball story with you in my November 7 blog. Its more sad then bad, in fact it’s not bad at all.
It involves the opportunity for a busy, successful season.
It’s a story of Friendship, Business associates and how in life, we never know when that circle will connect again. It’s a story of relationships and trust. It’s a story of give and take. It’s a good story.
Come back to my blog and November 7. In the meantime, think positive thoughts and prepare for peace![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]
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Thank you for writing this!
My life this past year has been a season of continuous curve balls.
And like you I’m a processor. I keep my eye on the goal and continue forward.
Glad you are all safe and I’ll keep you all in my prayers so you may find strength to conquer your day to day challenges.
♥️♥️♥️
I can imagine and look how it all turned out for you. You place is looking gorgeous. Really big step. All is good here…..more great things to come.