Rolling With the Punches of Life

It is inevitable that life will throw us curve-balls. Sometimes living in the now is painful because the present moment is not pleasant. However, it is important to not let the curve-balls of life bring us down more than necessary, we must learn to roll with the punches of life.

On July 30, 2011, I was getting ready for a longtime friends wedding, when I found out that my dad was being rushed to the hospital. Moments before the wedding I found out that my Dad was in the ICU. As soon as the ceremony was over, I rushed to the hospital to find my father in poor condition, and unable to recognize his sons. I stayed with my father a few days, and after he became stable, I returned home. When I returned home my wife and I found our Greyhound (Suzie) sick and dehydrated to the point that she had to be put into the veterinary ICU for a few days.

Frazzled and exhausted, I walked out to my back porch around midnight to enjoy a cigar and unwind. During this time I enjoyed simply staring out at the beautiful clear night sky, while listening to the bubbling sounds from the fountain in my Koi pond. During this time a line from the Tao Te Ching (as translated by Stephen Mitchell) came to mind:

If you realize that all things change,
there is nothing you will try to hold on to.
If you aren’t afraid of dying,
there is nothing you can’t achieve.

Trying to control the future
is like trying to take the master carpenter’s place.
When you handle the master carpenter’s tools,
chances are that you’ll cut your hand.

– Chapter 74

We can’t control the future, and we must realize that everything in our lives is in a constant state of constant transition. Therefore, it is important to learn to roll with the punches of life (go with the flow of life) and stay positive. By being fluid and staying positive we will be better able to handle the low points in life, which will allow us to focus on the many blessing that surround us.

As I write this I am sitting next to my father in ICU, because he has taken a turn for the worse, Miss Suzie (the Greyhound) is out of ICU and doing fine. I am hopeful, but not sure how my Dad is going to be; however, I know that I am blessed to have a beautiful wife, a wonderful son, and amazing friends and family. I must stay positive, and know that whatever will be, will be (Thanks Doris Day).

Practical Tip: No matter what curve-balls life throws you, try to roll with the punches and stay positive.

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