I asked my daughter how preschool went today. From the backseat, she thought for a moment and then gave me a thumbs down motion. I guess another little girl popped her bubble and told her she is not a princess. As if having older brothers doesn’t prepare you enough for life.
Harsh realities.
I feel you little one. Thumbs down. A top knot and leggings are the best I can do today. Don’t let the mascara and the half-smile behind the mask fool you, I’m barely pulling a C- on effort over here.
Life feels harsh at present. Even the sky seems to agree. There are waves of grief that sneak up, a funeral that is approaching, and a life schedule that feels unmanageable and overwhelming.
I am not alone. I know you feel this too.
I had a customer tell me recently that she used to drink her coffee black. And then her mom got diagnosed with breast cancer and reality felt harsh enough. She never drank her coffee black again.
Grief.
Cancer.
Pandemics.
Bubble bursting moments by peers.
Life.
Harsh realities.
I don’t know what yours looks like today or what might present in your life tomorrow, but this is what I would challenge both of us to remember:
Resilience is a little like learning to ride a wave.
The waves are going to come. They will threaten to drown you. You will get that awful feeling of water in your nose. They will feel massive and overwhelming at times.
And I know it feels awful at the time. I know. Believe me, I know.
But every time you wake up on one of those days and feel like you’re going to drown, you are getting a tad bit stronger.
Fearless? No.
Past the point of being wrecked by the pain? No.
But eventually, you’re able to ride the wave until the water calms again.
You remember that and remind me to do the same.