Trouble came knocking at my door early this year. I had to have an elective Carotid Artery surgery performed. Less than two weeks afterward, one of my sisters died. Two months later, over 50 people were fired from the company I work for. Soon after that, a property I was trying to purchase was put in limbo due to probate court. The following month, a huge tree fell in the front yard of one of our rental properties, the same day we put it for sale. The next month, the cops showed up at my condo with a search warrant for a loved one.
WHAT THE HELL’S GOING ON, is all I could think. And mind you, only half of the year has passed.
As these events were unfolding, it was easy for me to feel worried, panicked, and even scared. All of these situations back to back were enough to bring tears to my eyes, but for me, it did not. You see, it’s all about your perspective.
Having the surgery could have saved my life. I could have at any moment had a fatal or debilitating stroke. Doing so has made me more mindful of my health. It also helped my vision and heart.
My sister, as much as I missed her, had dealt with breast cancer, vision loss, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and she was in a great deal of pain.
As far as the job, the company lost 100% of its operational budget from the city, and I also lost my job. I had plans to retire at the end of the year. The situation just moved the date up, and I’m in a better mental and physical space. Yes, I have half of the income now, but my peace of mind and time for myself; money can’t buy!
The property being held up in probate court allowed us to learn more about what we needed to do for the property and line up contractors.
The tree falling in the yard came from our neighbor’s yard. She felt so bad about this Act of God that she had her ex-husband, a landscape owner, immediately come out to cut the tree into manageable pieces, and the city quickly came and cleared it off the lawn.
The cops’ situation for my loved one is being managed, and I understand I am powerless over other people’s lives and actions.
When trouble comes knocking at your door, don’t fall apart. Stay focused, don’t react, but respond appropriately to the situation. The best thing to do is to stay calm, meditate, and most of all, pray to your higher power. “It works if you work it and you’re worth it!”