Focus is Important

Houses and cars don’t mean much to me.  I’m not a guy who puts a lot of value on physical things, but a few months ago I wrote about losing my silver ring.  It was special.  In the shape of flames, it represented all the difficult times I’ve survived.  I searched high and low for it.  No luck.  I came to the conclusion it was time to let go of the past.  It took a while, but I accepted the loss. 

Then, I received a package in the mail.  Inside was a brand new ring.  It’s the exact ring I lost, but shinier and a size larger.  It was sent anonymously.  To the person or people who sent it, thank you!  I absolutely love it.  You are clearly thoughtful and compassionate (and maybe even a little sneaky).

So, what do I do with the whole idea that the ring represents past pain?  And, what do I make of it disappearing and reappearing?

As with much of life, a lot depends on how you choose to view it.  You apply meaning and significance to events.

It’s easy to get stuck wallowing in the garbage of life when your thoughts are consumed with remembering how this person hurt you or that horrible event happened.  When you dwell on the negative, you suffer more in thought than in reality.  I know it’s hard to see beyond when you are going through tough times, but if I’ve learned anything from this experience it is this.  Every problem, every pain, every trouble you go through will somehow lead you to a place where you are stronger and better than before.  You cannot bypass difficulties, but please remember you are so much more than any troubling situation you may face.

The old ring represented anxiety, depression, leukemia, and an incurable blood cancer.  Those old hurts and struggles were certainly real and helped make me who I am today, but they are not the whole story.  The new ring represents much more.  The symbol of my suffering is now a sign of compassion, thoughtfulness, and the difference a kindness can make in someone’s life.

Never overestimate your difficulties.  They will pass.  Never underestimate the power of kindness.  It can change someone’s outlook on life.

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 5:25 PM, 03.09.2020