And then...no, this is not a blog about aliens. It's about how we use the fact that we are social beings to make our lives just a little better, if not completely positive.
We all struggle about something in our lives. Maybe not every day, maybe we go through cycles where things are good and relatively easy, then fall into cycles where many things seem to be challenging, difficult, messy. I've been through a challenging cycle lately (actually I'm not sure if I can say "through" as I'm not sure if it is quite over yet!), and the Facebook comments I referred to above are from a creative business owner who is wondering when she will start hearing the phone ring with customers wanting her services.
Now, I can't solve everyone's problems, in fact sometimes I can't even solve my own. But what I can say is "you are not alone". You are not the only person who has run into this situation, who is struggling with what you are attempting, who is aiming for the stars but not sure if you will hit the moon or an asteroid on the way down. And by this, I don't mean that you should feel bad for thinking that you are the only one. What I mean is that you can take comfort in the fact that:
- You are at least as talented as others who have tried to do what you are doing; you are trying to do hard things, and hard things are, well, hard! So, no, you are not an idiot, you are not a loser, you are just trying to reach for the stars. So pat yourself on the back, take a deep breath (there isn't a lot of oxygen up there!), and keep reading.
- Since others have been where you are, hey, maybe they figured something out that might help you along the way. DON'T be shy, ashamed, or embarrassed about asking for help, a hint, a clue or a complete solution. You never know who out there might have a piece of the puzzle that makes your challenge a bit easier to resolve.
- You will get through this. Others have. It may be a tough road, longer than you thought you had energy to sustain, but you'll get there.
- And finally, put your skepticism aside for one moment and ask whatever Being or Force that is running this whole show for a hand. Not any more than anyone else deserves, but at least your fair share. Just simply say "please...help".
So whether it's a new business that you are trying to succeed in, exams that you have to write, the death of a family member or friend, an apartment that you need to find before leaving on vacation, the money to put food on the table tonight, or the courage to do whatever it is you must do to feel good, remember that we're all here too, facing similar struggles and learning what it is we must learn to move on. And also make sure that you pass on your lessons, once you've learned them, so that others don't have to feel alone.
Have a great weekend!
