Life happens... Then what?

We all have plans. 

Some are laid out well in advance and carefully, thoughtfully executed.
Some we more fall into and are more a matter of a path of least resistance.

But sometimes, LIFE happens. Something changes our plans outside of our timing and our influence. Illness, natural disaster, or very often in today's world, the loss of employment. 

It hurts. We feel betrayed. We feel a sense of failure. We feel anger. 

Most of all, we feel a loss of control.

Even if, in the case of loss of employment, we didn't want to be there in the first place. Even if we were actively looking for other employment. Even if, we were dreaming of finally taking that step to become an entrepreneur.

Because, it wasn't our choice, and it wasn't on our terms.

But what if... that's exactly what we need. What if we need to be a little shaken, a little outside our plan, a little outside the box to become what we're truly meant to become.

"Change is the only absolute in the world, the only thing that you can depend on. Nothing stays the same.Tomorrow will come, bringing with it new beginnings and sometimes unexpected endings. You can hold on to the past and get left in the dust, or you can choose to jump on the ride of life and live a new adventure with perseverance and an open mind."

I've heard it said that we get messages - from "life", God, "the universe" whatever greater or inner source you believe in - and that they start out so quiet, like a whisper. To hear those first messages, you have to be still and quiet and listening. And, let's be honest, how many of us make time or effort to do that? 
So then, in increasing levels in volume and intensity, the message continues. More often than not, it ends up being a banging gong that knocks us off our feet, leaving us with the wind knocked out of our chest laying on the ground saying "OK - I get it - I hear you!"

So what's the point? Well, it's going to happen. To all of us, sooner or later, if it hasn't already and it may happen again. Life is going to happen. There will be unexpected twists and turns that will throw us off our game. That will make us feel lost, sad, confused, out of control. 

Then what?

Like anything else that causes you stress in your life, the same things I share will help get you through it. Perhaps, I humbly suggest, with a bit more intensity.

My very best girlfriend lost her employment last week. She hated the job, she had been actively looking for other employment. She had recently interviewed with a new company. 

She was still devastated. She is still reeling. 
Yesterday, we met for lunch at our favorite winery. While we didn't come up with the answers, or even the next steps, just being together, sharing our thoughts, ideas and feelings, and of course - a couple glasses of wine - I could see a change in her. Just a loosening. Just the slightest drop in tension. Just the first glimpse of relief.
I am blessed that we will be road tripping this weekend and spending 3 days together at a conference where we can bond our brains out :)  

So when life happens to you next, grab your girlfriend, or 4 or 5 of them, and a bottle or 2 of wine, and take care of one another. Listen to one another. Be with one another. It's one of the things we do finest. And, it's one of the things we need the most.