WOW Word-Of-the-Week #306: Tribulations
June 7, 2010 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #306: Tribulations
Tribulations – experiences that tests one’s endurance, patience, or faith.
Have you had any tribulations this year? Do you have any friends or family members who have? Have you ever been tested beyond your wildest expectations?
Last week’s WOW created this response from Mary, “I met you a few years ago in one of the workshops in Sacramento, CA. I am no longer with the same agency and decided to go back to school. I have my Masters as a Marriage and Family Therapist and work for an outstanding Counseling Services Inc. “Family Services” from Visalia, CA. I love your FUN-damentals` stories/point of views. In regarding this week’s story about Happiness and relationships I have one to share with you.”
“I graduated with my Masters in April 2008, was laid off in Aug. 2009, and continued looking for a job as a therapist. While looking for employment I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Dec. 2009 and on the same day I got a call to start working as a therapist with Family Services. With that in mind I can say that mentally I was shaken and rattled for a few days. My emotions were up and down; happy because of a new job and sad because of the diagnosis.”
“On the other hand, what sustained me were my Faith, education, and my support system which consists of my partner, good friends and my new co-workers. Without them my life would not be worth it or made sense. I had two partial mastectomies and finally had both breasts removed. At present time I am recuperating and started back to work just last week (part time). While at home I asked myself, ‘If I die how do I want to be remembered?’ And thank God I was able to come up with a few things. “
“This trial and tribulation has been a learning process for me. If I want to get better I have to listen to Drs. orders or else! And again, the support of good friends makes it easier to make it through the day. Sometimes a word can make a difference in people’s lives. As I have said and shared with friends and families I meet ‘Forest Gump’s Mom said: Forrest life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are gone get.’”
Mary’s response came the same day that I was attending the funeral of a 59 year-old woman. That is way too young to die. It brought back memories of my mother and dear friend Dixie who both left us in 2006. I hope you or I never have to go through the tribulations that Mary has. This week focus on your support system. Who do you have in your life that would help sustain you? Who needs you to help sustain them?
Reader Responses
“Very good and heartfelt story. Debbie was our youngest Bunco sister. Her children did such a good job and made us all feel better that she did know about the cancer a little earlier and only wanted family to know. I would feel the same way.” – Elaine
“What a great word. Also, great story from Mary. Thanks for sharing it! And, of course the one picture is worth a thousand words! I don’t think I recalled that you’d lost your Mom in 2006. I lost mine in 2005. Interesting how we move on and triumph over the tribulations.” – Sarita
“We all go through tribulations in life. Your story about the woman with breast cancer reminded me of a quote from the late Marquette basketball coach Al McGuire who said: “Life is equal, but it is not fair. We all start and end the same. If life were fair, there would be no people in wheelchairs.” It is how we react to life’s tribulations that allows us to continue in our everyday lives. There are many people who, if they had Mary’s physical diagnosis, would curl up and withdraw from life. But she did not. Mary met her personal tribulation head on and kept the faith. Unfortunately, in life, there are a lot of people who do not have faith – in themselves, in others, in a higher power. Their reactions would probably range from “Why me?” to “Woe is me.” What is most important in dealing with life’s trials and tribulations is using our positive mental attitude. If we look at them as death sentences they will become self-fulfilling prophecies. Thinking about them as opportunities instead of obstacles will allow us to make the most of them. The key is in the thinking. Since most of us don’t use more than a small portion of our brains we really don’t know the potential of our brain power. Once we tap into it, can deal with anything. I am reminded of a Nike ad slogan from a years ago: “Impossible is nothing.” Life does get better.” – Joe
What a great word: “tribulations.” Also, great story from Mary. Thanks for sharing it! And, of course the one picture is worth a thousand words!
I don’t think I recalled that you’d lost your Mom in 2006. I lost mine in 2005. Interesting how we move on and triumph over the tribulations.
WOW Word-Of-the-Week #305: Relationship
June 1, 2010 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #305: Relationship
Relationship – a state of connectedness between people (especially an emotional connection).
Do you spend time with your co-workers outside of work? Do you find your personal relationships satisfying? Do you feel you spend enough time with your friends and family?
Connecting with Family & Friends
The final part of Robert Masello’s article for the Parade Magazine titled, “Make Happiness Happen” deals with relationships. Tal Ben-Shahar the author of “Happier” says, “The No. 1 predictor for general well-being is not money or prestige but the time we spend with those who are near and dear to us. Enjoying close and intimate relationships with those we care about and who care about us is an absolute prerequisite to happiness. But it’s precisely these relationships that suffer most in our hectic modern life.”
Did you happen to see the PBS special titled “This Emotional Life?” One of the key points they listed was the importance of having a strong network of friends, social life, and morals. One of the interviewees said that, “A successful marriage consists of healthy doses of lust, laughter & loyalty.” Larry David the creator of Seinfeld and Curb your Enthusiasm said, “If you don’t like your job and you’re not having sex, you’re probably not very happy.”
Those two quotes really resonated with me. How about you? This week focus on your relationships. Make a list of the happiest times of your life. Do they include your close friends and family? When was the last time you experienced an emotional connection? If you didn’t spend time over this past holiday weekend with family and friends make a date to do it soon!
Readers Responses
“I agree 100 % with you Sooz ! Life is great ! It is what we make it! Hugs” – Katie
“This is my favorite one!” – Lurene
“The word relationship is certainly an apropos choice given the latest news of the separation of Al and Tipper Gore after 40 years of marriage. Some of the newspaper analysis noted that most couples have ironed out most of their difficulties at this stage of their lives. But apparently the distractions in Mr. Gore’s work on the west coast have taken their toll on his marriage. That is too bad. Our relationships are what helps us grow in our lives. And these include personal and professional. As I have grown older I realize the added importance of having family and friends around. I found Larry David’s characterization too simple. There is more to life than jobs and sex. The most important part of relationships I have found is simply sharing. Sharing with friends and family and co-workers. Speaking of co-workers, I spend more time with co-workers who are no longer with the company. The reason being is that many of the people I work with are about 20 years younger than I am. And many of them live a good distance from me. So, my contact with co-workers is primarily at work. Without relationships we are empty. I have mentioned in previous posts that we don’t walk through this world alone, and having people in our lives helps us in all aspects. Thank you, Susan. A great word. Relationships make the world go round. Take care.” Joe