If you have ever let an opportunity slip through your fingers, you can probably still clearly describe what that felt like. The disappointment or frustration that came from getting so close, only to miss out. Disappointments are a part of the process. If everything always went your way, I imagine it would get pretty boring.
With every disappointment, comes a reaction. Some people would describe it as failure, while others a learning opportunity. There are those when faced with obstacles, get discouraged and quickly give up. Others, see it as a challenge that ignites a spark of creativity or fuels their drive to achieve that goal even more.
My sister and I attend the same church. Her son, who at that time was four is very energetic. It was towards the end of the mass and he was sitting at the back of the church coloring. At one point, she turned around and realized he was no longer there. She got up and began looking for him. I was not concerned since I figured he was in the reception area.
Then it became serious.
My sister, mildly in panic, interrupted the service and asked if anyone saw her son. I knew then that she was nervous. She would never have interrupted the service for any other reason. Members of the congregation got up and began looking for my nephew. I was still calm, convinced that we would find him within the next 10 minutes.
When all the rooms were verified, including bathrooms and the exterior of the church without finding him, my sister panicked. It had been about 20 Minutes, but it seemed like hours and we still had no idea where he was. The worst case scenario passed through her mind. She was crying hysterically and dropped to the floor. I tried without much luck to console her. Those 20 minutes turned into 30.
Then, one of the members of the congregation noticed a small head pop out from…. behind the fridge in the kitchen. He was playing hide and seek, heard all the commotion and became afraid to come out. We had never thought to look there. An instant rush of relief filled the room, especially for my sister.
When my husband came home that night, I told him the story. He spoke to my sister a little later when she called me. He told her that it’s moments like these that make you realize what is really important in our lives. That message really sparked something.
“Man is fond of counting his troubles, but he does not count his joys. If he counted them up as he ought to, he would see that every lot has enough happiness provided for it.” – Fyodor Dostoevsky
Yes, you won’t always achieve your goals. Yes, life won’t always be easy. In fact, sometimes, it can be downright grueling. During those moments, take a few minutes to reflect on what really is important in your life. What can you be grateful for today that will help you get through all those other moments. That in the end, are just moments. They won’t last, although they may feel like they do.
It can be easy to be so focused on what we want, that we forget what we already have. This #5MinMotivation is a simple reminder.
[tweetthis]“Worry does not keep it from raining tomorrow, but it does keep it from being sunny today.” ― Shannon L. Alder[/tweetthis]
Our lives can get pretty hectic and it can be easy to get lost in our actions. When we are so focused on what is ahead, we forget to pause, reflect and find ways to energize our minds. These 5-minute motivation posts are meant to give you that recharge. The goal is to give you a 5-minute Vitamin for your mind through quotes, posts and videos. It is also meant to challenge your thinking and inspire you to take action.
Don’t miss out on any posts! Subscribe to the weekly series of #5minutemotivation. Click on the link on the left to get started, or the image below.
