"When I hear somebody sigh, 'Life is hard,' I am always tempted to ask, 'Compared to what?" -- Sydney J. Harris
I’ve had my share of time to think lately on how hard life is while recovering from my knee surgery. I must say however that I am working very hard to not let those thoughts consume me as it really only makes me feel sad and down. When I saw this statement, it obviously connected with me. So many times before I did not have the time to think about things as I was always busy doing many things, especially being a teacher and having a family with my wife and two teenagers. I guess having a few extra weeks of having to take it easy, having a little pain and more discomfort; really gave me time to think about how challenging things are for me.
Here is where the second part of this quote comes into play. I do need to look at this part and I have asked myself that question, compared to what? Compared to when I was in college? Sure, it’s more challenging now for sure. Compared to what so many other people around the world are going through and many even around here in my community, not a chance. I still have it really good compared to so many other people. There is a saying that I have posted in my classroom that I make reference to all the time. Be kind to others for everyone is fighting some type of battle. The more I talk with people the more I see we all have some types of issues that we have to deal with.
So when it comes down to it, at least for me, when I think about how difficult life can be I need to remember a few things. First, we all have issues and if I were to put my issues on a piece of paper and then try and trade them with other people for their issues, I think I would quickly see that mine are not that bad. Second, a good life just doesn’t happen. There has to be some type of work involved and most of the time it won’t be easy as I’ve come to learn things that are worthwhile are usually not easy. Third, I’m really trying to take these temporary challenges and learn from them. I am looking to see how they can help me get better as a person, father, husband, teacher, etc. Finally, I think that how hard life can be is really up to me and my attitude towards things. I can make those times as hard and as difficult as I make them out to be. So maybe take a lesson and think about that quote a little bit now and don’t wait until you are laid up with some injury or illness where you have more time to dwell on how bad you might have it. Always remember to ask yourself compared to what?
I’m always looking to learn from you and your thoughts on this quote. Leave a comment or two or get back in touch with me so we can share some stories and ideas about this.
I’ve had my share of time to think lately on how hard life is while recovering from my knee surgery. I must say however that I am working very hard to not let those thoughts consume me as it really only makes me feel sad and down. When I saw this statement, it obviously connected with me. So many times before I did not have the time to think about things as I was always busy doing many things, especially being a teacher and having a family with my wife and two teenagers. I guess having a few extra weeks of having to take it easy, having a little pain and more discomfort; really gave me time to think about how challenging things are for me.
Here is where the second part of this quote comes into play. I do need to look at this part and I have asked myself that question, compared to what? Compared to when I was in college? Sure, it’s more challenging now for sure. Compared to what so many other people around the world are going through and many even around here in my community, not a chance. I still have it really good compared to so many other people. There is a saying that I have posted in my classroom that I make reference to all the time. Be kind to others for everyone is fighting some type of battle. The more I talk with people the more I see we all have some types of issues that we have to deal with.
So when it comes down to it, at least for me, when I think about how difficult life can be I need to remember a few things. First, we all have issues and if I were to put my issues on a piece of paper and then try and trade them with other people for their issues, I think I would quickly see that mine are not that bad. Second, a good life just doesn’t happen. There has to be some type of work involved and most of the time it won’t be easy as I’ve come to learn things that are worthwhile are usually not easy. Third, I’m really trying to take these temporary challenges and learn from them. I am looking to see how they can help me get better as a person, father, husband, teacher, etc. Finally, I think that how hard life can be is really up to me and my attitude towards things. I can make those times as hard and as difficult as I make them out to be. So maybe take a lesson and think about that quote a little bit now and don’t wait until you are laid up with some injury or illness where you have more time to dwell on how bad you might have it. Always remember to ask yourself compared to what?
I’m always looking to learn from you and your thoughts on this quote. Leave a comment or two or get back in touch with me so we can share some stories and ideas about this.
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