You CAN Experience Joy in Adversity

2020 is fresh wound proof that there is so much about life we cannot control. 

As caretakers, chaos coordinators, calendar managers (the list goes on), we make our best attempt to control everything we can; like it was some innate superpower.

Sister, I hate to pop your cork. We’re good… but we aren’t that good.

However, there is one thing in which we can always call the shots… and that is our attitude.

WE have the power to choose how we will respond to any circumstance. 

No one else gets to decide that for us… unless we give them permission to do so. And even then, we are responsible for the outcome. 

There are so many words synonymous to “adversity” – hardship, sorrow, misery, heartache, setback, calamity, stress, catastrophe, etc. 

And this year, none of us are strangers to the meaning and ramifications of disaster and misfortune. 

A National Pandemic (stupid COVID) has flooded each of our “worlds” with a smorgasbord of adversity in the form of illness, job loss, financial strain, virtual learning… or all the above.

2020s shenanigans have been more than a mere inconvenience. They have successfully created extreme discomfort, anger, loneliness, overwhelm and stress.  

Not gonna lie OR make light of the truth that this year has been H.A.R.D. – HARD. 

At the very root of all that is going on, there is one common denominator – CHANGE. 

Change. IS. Hard.  

But, whether we like it or not, there are times we must accept the fact that it is what it is and there is nothing we can do about it.

Except… 

We can choose how we respond. 

Now, what I am about to say is probably going to expose the eye-rollers and the nay-sayers in the crowd. 

That’s ok. I can handle it. Remember, I’m a mom of lots of teenagers.

I need you to hear this; not for my benefit… for yours.

Beneath the intimidating layers of adversity, there is joy to be found… but you have to look for it. 

It is our tendency to only see life’s challenges through the lens of misfortune and despair. I get it. Adversity sucks. Period.

But, may we not miss the opportunity buried beneath the distraction of our circumstances to re-evaluate and reset and find joy and contentment in the space we are in. 

The decision to respond to adversity in this way has to be a conscious choice of the mind. And your heart must fuel the will to do so. 

We haven’t exactly been a nation of exuberant joy lately. 

We can’t do much to change the response of others, but we can definitely influence them by the way we choose to respond.

It’s time to search your heart, sweet sister. And a healthy place to start is by recognizing the good in your life.

“But Kacie, you don’t understand. There is nothing…” Stop it right there.

I DO understand. COVID is stupid… and real. People are getting sick… and dying. Money is tight. Virtual homeschool is the hardest dang thing you’ve ever done. 

But it’s time for a little tough love… 

This won’t be the last time life throws a curveball or slaps you in the face with adversity.

This one just feels exceptionally BIG because we’re all living it, we’re all dealing with it, and we’re all talking about it.

Are you ready to change the trajectory of your response when life hands you a pile of poo?

I hope so because I freakin’ love you too much to leave you where you are.

Spend a little time thinking about these questions and create a new perspective:

• Who do you want to be?

• What do you want to do?

• How do you need to show up?

Now, take a look at your life, your responsibilities, and your future:

• How do you need to adjust your priorities? 

• What old habits do you need to eliminate? 

• What new habits do you need to create? Do these things and you will live in that sweet spot of yours… despite 2020s best efforts to squash you. 

• Could you use a little extra help finding that place where you will thrive instead of merely survive? Then I invite you to check out my book, “The Sweet Spot” where I walk you through everything you need to know about enjoying life more. 

• If you are finished merely existing and ready to exchange that life for one complete with joy and contentment, then keep your eyes peeled for more information on a FREE 3 Day Masterclass that will show you how to do that. 

• What will your “to do” list look like with this new perspective?