By David Tepera, May 12, 2021
Recently, I was having a conversation with my 20-year-old daughter Daylyn. She’s stressing over this week’s college finals because high grades are important to her. This prompted a discussion about many challenges we face throughout life.
I explained to Daylyn that we all live in cycles. There are times when everything is going good, times when things are great and, of course, times we face challenges that seem detrimental. We can never stay in just one cycle.
So, what does this mean? No matter what cycle of life you’re facing, it is only temporary until the next cycle comes.
Yes, when things are good, you’re probably cruising along, feeling healthy and financially stable. No matter what’s going on in the world, you’re in a good place.
Even better is the great cycle. You might have just received a promotion or the big bonus. How about going on the first date with your current spouse? That wonderful exciting feeling to finally be with the person you’ve been wanting.
What about the first time you bought your house or a brand-new car? Nowadays, I get excited buying a new pair of sneakers. They cost about the same as a down payment on a car, but I look real sporty in them.
For all you boaters, your great days are when you bought the boat and the day you sold it. Those things are way too expensive to keep. I know, I used to be you.
If you’re in the challenging cycle where everything seems to be crumbling, you must hang in there and keep fighting because the great cycle is coming.
It’s during the difficult times where we develop character and learn to be survivors. For each challenging cycle, we come out stronger and build more confidence to battle the next cycle.
Don’t let setbacks and possible catastrophes define you. What defines you is how you respond to adversity. Do you blame others, curl up and hide? Or pick yourself up and keep grinding forward?
Whatever life cycle you’re facing today, embrace the moments because things will change soon. Whichever one it is, keep your head high, show pride and respect all those around you because today will be the start of the great cycle.