Wednesday, March 23, 2011

when the going gets tough

The tough eat ice cream! At least that's what a banner that hung for a time in the dining hall of my college proclaimed. I'm not sure I'll follow that counsel at my age and stage of life, but there's some wisdom in the advice.

When the going gets tough...
do something for fun. Eat ice cream, take a walk through delightful scenery, go to a movie, play ping pong, make a play date with a three year-old, shoot hoops, bang on a drum, let a puppy lick your face.
When the going gets tough...
dig in and take cover from the assaults of the enemy, whoever and whatever that enemy might be. I sometimes refer to this as donning foul-weather gear.
When the going gets tough...
breathe, pray, then breathe some more. This will nudge you toward your center.
When the going gets tough...
give and receive love: hugs to everyone you encounter, smiles to strangers, pay it forward, a phone call to someone to say thanks, be treated to lunch, take and squeeze the hand of a friend.
When the going gets tough...
dance! Earth, Wind and Fire are a good place to start.
When the going gets tough...
consider all your options. They may appear huddled in a pack, but one will emerge and take the lead.
When the going gets tough...
Recall your strength, stand up straight, tip your head back to receive the fullness of God's light as it shines upon you.
When the going gets tough...
rest, but don't give up
When the going gets tough...
get a massage
When the going gets tough...
Know that you are loved. Abundantly. Ferociously. Steadfastly.

I feel better already. What do you do when the going gets tough?

4 comments:

The Bug said...

I love this! You're such a strong person.

The Bug said...

P.S. When the going gets tough I cry, grouse to Mike & then start cracking jokes :)

Carolina Linthead said...

I saw Earth, Wind, and Fire live, circa 1980! What an awesome show. Question: when does the going get un-tough? When the going gets tough, I sing. When Love is Lord over heaven and earth, how can I do otherwise?

JulesinParadise said...

I gather my friends around me and listen to their advise. I ask for support and figure out my next step. Sometimes it works, sometimes not...more often yes than no. And I remember my mother's favorite saying, "This too shall pass"

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