meanjoybug5
09-27-2005, 01:38 PM
So many ask "What now?". "Where do we start in starting over?". Those and so many other questions are being asked by hundreds of thousands of people across our nation.
Starting over is something I have considerable experience with. No, I haven't been the victim of a Hurricane or a Flood. I have however been a victim of circumstance and other disastrous situations. Always feeling that gut wrenching knot knowing that I have hit another starting over point in my life. Many times I have considered the alternative, complacency, just letting the tide of Life wash me away. But it seems every time I somehow managed to pull myself together. More from stubborn determination and a strong will to survive than anything else.
I won't tell you it was easy, or that I was always willing to start over. The task of finding a new job, place to live, and in some cases doing these things in totally unfamiliar territory, well it sometimes was overwhelming. There were days that all I wanted to do was sit down and cry. I did manage to make it. Here are a few things I found to be helpful. Tidbits of encouragement and organization. Things I used on the worst days to help retain my sanity.
1. Remember: You are exactly where you should be at this point in God's ultimate plan.
2. Take one disaster at a time. Start with what is immediately in front of you.
3. Be thankful for what you do have left: your life. It is a precious gift.
4. Don't be too stubborn or proud to ask for help when and where you need it.
5. Rely on those who have been in your place before, they may have a solution you can't see on your own.
6. Be persistant, don't give up when you hit a wall, figure out a way around it.
7. Gather your resources, your friends and family, they are your strongest ally.
8. Most important--you ARE stronger than you give yourself credit for.
I hope these words can help just one person in the struggles they are facing. I am praying for your strength, endurance and that you will have hope. May you be blessed with compassion and understanding through these most difficult times. If you need a friend, I am here. Please don't hesitate, there is strength in numbers, no matter how small.
Sincerely,
Joy Hanson
LiveWire
Moderator
Starting over is something I have considerable experience with. No, I haven't been the victim of a Hurricane or a Flood. I have however been a victim of circumstance and other disastrous situations. Always feeling that gut wrenching knot knowing that I have hit another starting over point in my life. Many times I have considered the alternative, complacency, just letting the tide of Life wash me away. But it seems every time I somehow managed to pull myself together. More from stubborn determination and a strong will to survive than anything else.
I won't tell you it was easy, or that I was always willing to start over. The task of finding a new job, place to live, and in some cases doing these things in totally unfamiliar territory, well it sometimes was overwhelming. There were days that all I wanted to do was sit down and cry. I did manage to make it. Here are a few things I found to be helpful. Tidbits of encouragement and organization. Things I used on the worst days to help retain my sanity.
1. Remember: You are exactly where you should be at this point in God's ultimate plan.
2. Take one disaster at a time. Start with what is immediately in front of you.
3. Be thankful for what you do have left: your life. It is a precious gift.
4. Don't be too stubborn or proud to ask for help when and where you need it.
5. Rely on those who have been in your place before, they may have a solution you can't see on your own.
6. Be persistant, don't give up when you hit a wall, figure out a way around it.
7. Gather your resources, your friends and family, they are your strongest ally.
8. Most important--you ARE stronger than you give yourself credit for.
I hope these words can help just one person in the struggles they are facing. I am praying for your strength, endurance and that you will have hope. May you be blessed with compassion and understanding through these most difficult times. If you need a friend, I am here. Please don't hesitate, there is strength in numbers, no matter how small.
Sincerely,
Joy Hanson
LiveWire
Moderator