Coping With Hard Times

Life is tough right now for a lot of people. Families are losing their homes, jobs and health. People are facing any number of scary challenges that test our strengths and help us find our character.

As a person who has faced a lot of storms in life and lived to tell out about them, I find this a great time to share some of my hard-won wisdom. Perhaps the biggest lesson I have learned deals with your attitude. People who face the scary unknown with a positive attitude tend to come through the storm in the best condition.

I've known people who are victims. They've given up their own control over situations. They feel the world owes them something and they think everything is being done to them. These are the weepy, whiny sorts that never grew up and couldn't think their way out of a paper bag, not alone a major crisis.

On the other hand, you sometimes encounter people who are full of cheer, strong, vibrant and you think they must have everything. But talk with them for a little while and you learn they are lucky to be alive - they experienced an illness where their doctors gave up on them, or they barely survived an accident that should have taken them out. Instead of giving up, these people are fighters.

I met a woman like this recently who had faced such an illness, but instead of feeling sorry for herself, she decided to celebrate her life. I talked with her a little longer and learned that she was experiencing a financial setback and was practically homeless. But she was tough minded and a joy to be around.

I mention her now because there are a lot of people who could benefit from her example. You can let your setbacks make you stronger or you can let them destroy you.

Fortunately, the second path has never been an option for me. My mother is one of those strong souls that faces every struggle with renewed determination to survive. Born in the midst of the great depression, she raised four children alone after my father abandoned her. At six, I was the oldest and my mother was just 23 years old at the time. Even now in her seventies, she faces each new challenge with a strength I find inspiring. When I talk with her she's always up, smiling, laughing and encouraging everyone around her.

Regardless of whatever you are facing, I encourage you to remember that you have a choice. You can face the future as a victim or you can face it headon with courage. You can find inspiration in all of the positive things around you and learn from people who never let their troubles get them down. Until next time,

Marcia Ming