Monday, May 23, 2011

On bitterness

I'm learning to stop questioning why things happen. Because the why is irrelevant. We can't stop life from playing out its inevitable path. We can, however, choose how we navigate the landscape that results.


In the wake of Joplin, Slave Lake, Sendai and any number of places on the planet currently enduring their own unique challenges from above and beyond, I thought this quote was especially appropriate:

"When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow."
Shauna Niequist

Your turn: Thoughts?

One more thing: The new Thematic theme will be "Got the blues," and it launches later tonight. Hope you'll watch for it!

8 comments:

Kalei's Best Friend said...

hmm, not too sure about saying 'thank you ' to bitterness... maybe a bit later after the sting of the hurt goes away.. you are right we do learn from the rough experiences.. its a shame we have to learn it that way...

Mustang Sally said...

I don't DO why questions, not for big things, not for little things. I've found that when an answer is offered, whether or not it is 'right', the answer will usually piss me off more than the question that triggered it.

We can't control all that happens to us, but we can control our response. I can light a candle, I can send well wishes, I can offer a shoulder and shed a tear. I can tell those I love what they mean to me, because this could happen to any of us, at any time. No one is promised tomorrow, we have to live today.

Alexia said...

That's a really thought-provoking quote. Thanks, Carmi.

Unknown said...

You've given me cause for reflection here, Carmi. I tend to question so many things, particularly when human suffering is involved.

lepifera said...

I would like to believe there are greater purposes behind the random events that take place from day to day, let it be sweet or bitter, whether I know what they are or not. It isn't so much about what should or should not happen. It is how the people transcend the darker moments of their lives that moves me.

CAM (Formerly Bubblehead) said...

You just have to look at everything that happens as an opportunity to learn. Sometimes it goes your way, sometimes life goes against you, but if you walk away from each experience a little smarter and a little wiser, then it pays off. My dad always told me that any day you learn something is a day you didn't waste. That's got me through a lot of tough stuff.

Julie said...

If you remain bitter, created by what goes wrong around you, then you are missing life.
It is not easy and it is surely hard not to question...
I suppose I made it easy on myself because I have made up my mind that when we die, no matter what the afterlife, we are enlightened. We no longer sweat the small stuff and are hearts, minds and souls are fully expanded. I kind of like to pictures those who have left me and gone on, looking down to say to me "Kiddo, it's going to be alright, you'll see when you get here...you will understand and have true bliss"!

Some days, I dwell, I cry, because our lessons are painful and sometimes nothing makes any sense at all! But everyday I truly try not to miss the good things and the beauty in my life...

Julie said...

If you remain bitter, created by what goes wrong around you, then you are missing life.
It is not easy and it is surely hard not to question...
I suppose I made it easy on myself because I have made up my mind that when we die, no matter what the afterlife, we are enlightened. We no longer sweat the small stuff and are hearts, minds and souls are fully expanded. I kind of like to pictures those who have left me and gone on, looking down to say to me "Kiddo, it's going to be alright, you'll see when you get here...you will understand and have true bliss"!

Some days, I dwell, I cry, because our lessons are painful and sometimes nothing makes any sense at all! But everyday I truly try not to miss the good things and the beauty in my life...