I hear it everywhere: jobs are scarce, there’s no money, people are failing. Let me set the record straight: People are NOT failing — financial systems may be failing. We, the people, are strong.
Newscasts are filled with alarming stories, fear, stress. Yet a friend writes, “My business in Alaska is flourishing!” Another friend says, “This is the very best time for my work.” And this morning, spring is in the air, the cardinals are singing and I feel blessed and grateful: for my health, for friends, for family, for the sun and the wind and the water, for the coyotes running around the neighborhood and their reminder of community, survival, focus.
It’s all about point of view. People don’t fail until they start to believe what everyone else feeds them about how bad things are. So it’s a time of great challenge … and great opportunity.
Choose your point of view carefully. It will determine how much joy, growth and renewed vigor you gain as a result of these challenges. Point of view can determine outcome.
How to make the best of tough times?
- Use the opportunity to discover new things about yourself: your likes and dislikes, your passion, what is essential to you.
- In your business, choose to deliver great customer service with empathy and with heart. Now more than ever, it is noticed and remembered.
- Realize the depth of your inner power and determination. Realize that no one can take who you truly are away from you.
- As your heart opens through the uncertainty or fear or pain you may be feeling, offer that up to the bigger Life which is pulsating within your life and dare to ask the right questions, celebrate all that you have, give thanks.
We are the ones we have been waiting for. We are the heroes and sheroes of our lifetime.
Join the conversation!
How are these tough times affecting you?
Are you looking for me?
Are you looking for me? I am in the next seat.
My shoulder is against yours.
you will not find me in the stupas, not in Indian shrine
rooms, nor in synagogues, nor in cathedrals:
not in masses, nor kirtans, not in legs winding
around your own neck, nor in eating nothing but
vegetables.
When you really look for me, you will see me
instantly —
you will find me in the tiniest house of time.
Kabir says: Student, tell me, what is God?
He is the breath inside the breath.
– Kabir
As Steve’s poem by Kabir points out, these times may be most valuable because we might take the time to consider – and find – what is most important.
and on the material plane, my business friendsofwater.com continues to grow, and we believe a large part of that is that we have always been dedicated to great customer service (as mentioned by Adrilia).
Thank you, Steve, for sharing this beautiful poem. It is a wonderful reminder of the state from which it is possible to refresh and recalibrate our point of view.
Timothy,
I appreciate your comment very much. Congratulations on your focus on great customer service in your business. Happy to hear your company is growing. Given what you say, I can’t say I am surprised. Leaders and business owners who keep to their vision and their passion for what they do can make miracles happen … and in the process influence the lives of their employees and clients for the better. Kudos to you!