Have you ever heard the phrase “life on life’s terms?”
It’s one of those frustrating things that we just have to deal with. When life “happens” in ways we might not have desired or expected, and yet we have to roll with it.
What’s most interesting, though, is that our real spiritual opportunity is in HOW we relate to what’s happening. What thoughts, beliefs, assumptions, projections, or worries we indulge – or whether we choose proactively to “dance” with the situation.
An example for me is that there was recently a BIG error with my merchant account company, the service that does our billing. We just caught it two weeks ago – certain clients were not being billed properly, and their fees hadn’t gone through for 3-4 months.
Without all the gory details, what this meant is that my income was “behind” by thousands of dollars… And it’s a precarious time to go back to certain beloved clients with my tail between my legs (even though it’s not my fault) asking them to now pay those fees less than a month before Christmas.
As you can imagine, I was very frustrated. And to be honest, it triggered income worry for me. How could this have happened? And worse, what would this mean for our own Hannukah /Christmas and expenses? What would it mean to tell certain clients, whom I adore, that they still owe certain balances for several months they thought were being paid on a monthly basis?
At the end of the day, while my clients have been wonderfully understanding that these things happen, some have been able to cover their balances right away, and some have not. Some need to draw out a payment plan to catch back up.
So… Where does this leave me? Well, with a pretty important choice. Moving to fear, frustration, rage, and seeing myself as the victim? Admittedly, I indulged that initially for a little while.
Or, reminding myself what my priorities are. That I am healthy, as is my family, that we are so lucky to have money in the bank to take care of our needs, that I love my career, that ultimately all is very, very well. And that I’ll continue to be just fine.
So where are you having to deal with “life on life’s terms?” And what are you choosing?