Widowhood Is Not Funny

Friday, June 23, 2006

Danger & Opportunity

I learned recently that the Chinese word for "Crisis" contains the two characters meaning 'danger' and 'opportunity.' That means even in the midst of a life crisis, there are the seeds of opportunity, if only we are clever enough and quick enough to grab hold and see where it leads us.

The urge during a crisis is to roll up in a ball, cover our heads and avoid all contact with the hard, painful, scary outside world. We just want it all to go away. However, if we're just a little brave, those seeds of opportunity will land in fertile ground and take root.

You don't have to hide in pain wishing the world away. It doesn't work that way anyhow. The pain and sadness are going to happen, there's no way around it. Out of adversity however, comes a chance to change our lives for the better, and the best way through the pain and sadness is to use that opportunity to your advantage.

Not only does it provide a needed distraction, but it can also help bring about a change profound enough to get you through the crisis itself, and on into your future.

Losing your husband may make you feel as if you've also lost your purpose in life. Everything once centered on him and now that purpose is gone. It may be difficult to know precisely what your purpose is supposed to be in this new life, but it's worth the exploration to discover what it is.

Now is the time to grab onto that opportunity, whatever it may be, hold on for dear life, and see where it takes you!