Have Faith.
So…to preface, I am super new to writing blogs. My very dear friend Matt suggested this would be a great exercise, where I can throw thoughts to the wall and see what, if anything, sticks. I started jotting down topics that came to my mind and quickly realized that this exercise is going to be way more cathartic for me than “enlightening” for anyone else, but…since it is my blog…I get to do what I want, so I will “cathart” away.
Last night, as I was sitting down with my Hookah and Gin Tonic in hand, I started jotting down topics that have really taken center stage in my life. As soon as I grabbed my pen (yes, I still take notes with a pen and pad), the first word that popped into my head was FAITH. In the past, whenever I thought of “Faith,” the first thing that came to mind was the classic George Michael’s 80s banger…it was a much simpler time, to say the least.
I think it is fair to say I’ve had a pretty tough couple of years…and when the proverbial “shit hits the fan,” it is really hard not to get jaded, and the topic of faith transformed from a catchy pop tune to a deep existential question; one that I personally struggled with. Although I am a religious person, I appreciate that not everyone is. Even though the religious factor of faith played a big part for me…it wasn’t the only thing. Faith in my family, faith in my friends, faith in the system, and ultimately faith in myself, all wrapped together, became my driving force over the last 24 months.
In the past, for me at least, it was quite easy to have faith and a strong sense of conviction when everything was rainbows and strawberries. But what happens when the tide turns? What happens when everything as you know it changes at the snap of your fingers? When you are at the whim of other people’s nonsense and circumstances that you have no control over? What happens when you essentially become a bystander in the happenings of your own life? For what it’s worth, this is something that I may be able to provide some insight into. Like so many things in life, the answer is super simple, but really hard to do…kind of like eating healthy (You know cookies are horrible for you, but they taste so good). The answer, as it was eloquently sung by none other than that 80s songbird George Michael, is… “you gotta have faith.”
Many of us had or are currently dealing with some really heavy situations. Whether it is work, family, physical, or mental health, many of us have been totally sideswiped and left wondering how to cope. No matter how shitty it gets…and it will get shitty… KEEP THE FAITH. Whether you know it or not, each of us has a tidal wave of people who love and support us. Have faith that good things happen to good people and no matter how bad things may look…you will come out the other end. If you play it right, you will come out the other side with more perspective, gratitude, and, most importantly, love for those around you.
We will all face hard times; that’s just the way life goes…so let the hard times come if they must. Have faith that who you are as a person will eventually triumph at the end of the day. It may look bleak, and you may come out the other end with some scars, but have faith, and it will all work out in the end. Plus…scars are cool.
In all seriousness, it is extremely uncomfortable for me to put myself out there, as I like to say, I’m an “introverted extrovert” (if that makes any sense), but this topic really hits close to home, so I would be kicking myself if I didn’t express myself. I will end with a quote that I read every single day for over 2 years. This excerpt really helped me cope with the stresses, and my hope is that I can pay it forward and hope it can add some perspective to others as it did for me:
“Grant me- the courage to be steadfast when the battle rages, to avoid retreat when the combat becomes intense, and to remain committed when the burden becomes heavy. Grant me- the courage to see light even in patches of darkness, to feel warmth even in the bitter cold, and to taste fresh water in the heat of the burning desert.”
Keep the faith; it will work out in the end!
With love, Robin.
