Bad Things Happen to Good People

Life is an unpredictable roller coaster ride; we never know when things will take a turn for the worst. Sadness, confusion, anxiety, and frustration take over and we have a hard time navigating what was once a wonderful world. Without any prompting by our decisions or choices, bad and awful circumstances take over our lives.

Bad things happen to good people all the time. None of us is immune from sorrow, death, change or abrupt entanglements. At one time or another life will leave you flat on the floor wondering what just happened. As you stare at the ceiling trying to gasp for breath and get back up, you realize you have no idea what just hit. Like a tornado on roller skates your life has gone from sensible to erratic in an instant.

These are the moments when it is wise to give yourself time to process, time to think, time to recover. And sometimes recovering simply means getting back up on your feet and standing tall. Tears, anger, and confusion become your bedfellows and never leave your side. They travel with you as if they are old gum stuck to the bottom of your shoe. But these annoying circumstances also have the ability to teach incredible lessons, uncover personal growth opportunities, or unveil the true you beneath the rubble. They have a way of clearing out the debris inner souls and leveling us to face what is truly important. Bad things, trying times, even the worst aspects of life can bring out our best, our true character.

Well meaning people will tell you platitudes when trying to comfort or understand. They might not know what to say, they may say the wrong things, they may touch a tender nerve or leave you feeling worse. Give them a break as you would want a break in simply trying to help. And allow yourself to be sad, be scared, be unsure, and to let it all out. Crying, screaming, yelling, or sleeping may be the best ways to let your emotions and body deal with these unwanted circumstances. You don’t always have to be strong, you simply have to keep breathing.

Life is about handling the ups and the downs, the good days and the empty days. Life is not about being perfect, no one is perfect. EVERYONE has good and bad. Knowing that most horrible things eventually fade, as time heals all wounds. Take a deep breath, let it out slowly and allow yourself time to process and deal with your terrible, horrible, no good day. And when nothing else seems to work. When nothing you do makes you feel better or helps alleviate the pain, try ice cream. Put sprinkles on it, then eat it straight out of the container while in your pajamas watching bad television. It might not change much, but for a few minutes something is good and fun and festive. This too will pass, just give it time.