“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”      ― Maya Angelou, Letter to My Daughter

Well said. 

In the grand scheme of life, things happen, and all we can do is our best during, throughout and thereafter.  Now that being said, we can elect to be defined by those events – or – we  can choose to define them. By standing up to the challenges, looking them in the eye and telling them without reservation;  “I got this”. 

Whomever I tend to,  many may have tended to reflect the same line of thought and being: that though things happen, you must rise up to meet them head on. They might get the best of you at first – a function of  surprise, fear and diffidence. 

And yet, you still retain the right to respond in your fashion, via choice. 

So, you can decide to be reduced.  

Or, not. 

Your choice. 

“We need to be angels for each other, to give each other strength and consolation. Because only when we fully realize that the cup of life is not only a cup of sorrow but also a cup of joy will we be able to drink it.”

Henri J.M. Nouwen

Being an angel has little to do with the supernatural or in this case, the divine. It is all about loving another to get them out, through and on to the life they deserve. Sure, in the moment it may feel like all there is, is to endure or withstand. And accept disappointment and defeat.

But in reality, when you are an angel to another you are bringing joy. To them, because they know they are loved. And to you, because you now know you can love in that manner.

So be that angel.

Give them and you the joys of strength.

Consolation.

And love.

My partner and I were discussing “investment” some time ago.

Not so much in the sense of IRA’s, mutual funds and the like. But more so, what we choose to expend on those that should mean the world to us.  Whether it be strangers, friends, coworkers, parents, grandparents, siblings, sons, daughters, grandkids, kids or spouses.

Now don’t read into the order presented prior as it is merely meant to set the stage. Because in our own way, we do invest and expend a great deal of personal capital – in all terms – on those around us each day, in all ways.  And hopefully, always.

Whether it be monetarily. Personally.  Physically.  Emotionally. Or, spiritually.

So being  a prudent investor in this market, there is never going to be a short game when it comes to those within the orbit of your life. It is, and will always be, the  long game. As investors on such a personal level, we may never witness, experience or realize the fruits of our endeavors.  We simply have to trust that what we expend in the now will profit those that receive it in their time.

That is all that matters.

So just trust in your investment.  Believe in the dividends that they will reap for others.  And let love guide your giving in all ways.

Always.

At some point in your life, you may get tested in ways you could never possibly imagine. And as you are being tested, it may seem unfair, ill-timed and impossible to endure.

But know this; you are never given more than you can handle. The reasons for your particular test may not be readily apparent, but it always serves a purpose.

Perhaps it is to make you look at things differently; to appreciate the blessings that surround you every moment of your life.

Maybe it is a wake up call; designed to get you to change course, to become that person you were intended to be.

In some cases, it might be that others need to see you in the battle of your life so that they can learn to fight the smaller skirmishes of theirs. You may have been chosen to be tested so that others could become what they were always meant to be in witness of your trials.

It all makes perfect sense.

We are put here for one another in some capacity; yet to be determined.

Even when you are up against it, at your worst and cannot possibly fathom how you will ever continue, someone is watching, listening and drawing inspiration and strength from your personal calamity.

Your resolve to endure and overcome your test restores an other’s faith that they can too.

When it becomes their time.

And then, become that inspiration for yet another.

So they too may pass their test.