When things do not turn out the way we want them to, it is easy to become discouraged. We might feel compelled to complain about what is happening or seek to place blame on ourselves and others for why things do not look the way we want them to look. While all of this is understandable, it keeps us stuck and feeling bad about life. The good news is that we always have another option.
Rather than spending our time lamenting the way things should be, we can choose to wonder about what good might be coming. That which seems to be a curse might actually be a blessing in disguise. In fact, if we are willing to drop our defenses, it will not take long for us to see that there is always something better waiting for us.
Recently, I was checking in with teachers and getting my day started as usual. My mind, however, was full of concerns regarding my to-do list. I had received one email, in particular, that was weighing on me and I was not sure how to proceed. I felt like I was not doing a good job and started thinking I was not the right person for the job.
Rather than spiral further into those thoughts and feelings, I took a seat on a bench to breathe. Even though it felt like the last thing that would help my situation, I surrendered to the urge to relax for a few minutes. As I sat there, I noticed some students standing nearby. We engaged in a light-hearted conversation regarding a math problem they were working on. At that moment, I forgot all about myself and the problems I thought I had.
Just then, a colleague walked up and asked me how I was doing. I mentioned the email I was concerned about. Without hesitation, my colleague gave me some solutions and told me to forward her the email. She let me know that she would respond later that day and that this whole thing would be no big deal. I let her know that I appreciated her help and my day took off from there.
If you are feeling like things are not going your way, it is time to slow down and breathe. While it is tempting to fight with your current reality, this will only get in the way of you receiving the good that might be hiding just out of view.
As you shift your focus away from lack and fear, you open up to renewed energy and a deeper sense of personal power. It will not take long for you to realize that life is always on your side, regardless of what appears to be happening around you.
Edward Biagiotti is the Inclusion Specialist for Culver City Unified School District and the cohost of the inspirational podcast “Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed”. For questions, comments, and ideas for future columns, send an email to EdwardBiagiotti@ccusd.org