Life is not fair–now what?

Many of us have been raised with the value of fairness – we are taught the concept at an early age.  There is just one problem with this idea — LIFE IS NOT FAIR.

Coming to this realization is a  hard pill to swallow — harder for some than others.  Many refuse to acknowledge this harsh reality and continue through life hoping that fairness is somehow woven into the fabric of the universe — given enough time, everything will even out in the long run.  Somehow all the debits and credits of life will balance out to zero in the end.  Unfortunately this just is not so.

So now what?  Where do you go from here once you realize that life is not fair?  Here are a few options:

1. You can be a victim and simply give up.  Why bother at all if life isn’t fair.  Better to crawl into a cave and rot.
2. You can become angry, bitter, and jealous of others who are doing well when you’re not.  This will keep you busy because you will always be able to find someone who is better off than you are.
3. You can acknowledge that although some things are out of your control, other things are within your control and you can work with what you have–fair or not.

If you chose the later option you can take action, pushing  forward to overcome the challenges and obstacles in your life.  You can be thankful for the blessings that have been given to you, working with the resources that you have–large or small. 

There is freedom in giving up the idea of fairness in life.  Once we acknowledge this truth, we can stop trying to figure out why one person thrives and another person struggles.  We can focus on what we have instead of focusing on what we don’t have.  We are free to live regardless of our circumstances!

President Obama’s Annual Review

Most employees receive an annual review of their performance each year.  President Obama has been in office for 361 days.  On January 20th, it will be one year.  What do you think of his performance?  Do you like the changes that he is making?  Do you think things are better because of his leadership?  During this past year he has taken on the economy, healthcare, the war in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, North Korea, credit card reform, banking reform, and many other issues.

Use the poll below to express your opinion.  It’s interesting to see what people think.  You can also leave a comment.

Facing Challenges in 2010

Once again we begin a new year.   Each year has the potential to bring new possibilities, hope, and of course–challenges.  Challenges can make us stronger if we have the right attitude.  What challenges will you face this next year?  How will you respond?  The way that we respond can make all the difference.

There are no great people in this world, only great challenges which ordinary people rise to meet.

William Frederick Halsey, Jr.

Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.

Joshua J. Marine

Here are some of the things that I’ve learned about facing challenges:

• Respond to challenges with an attitude of courage and determination.
• Keep fear in check.  Don’t let fear paralyze you from taking action.
• Share your challenges with others.  Don’t be a lone ranger.
• Don’t be afraid to fail.  Failure is part of the process of learning and growing.
• Help others along the way.
• Expect the unexpected.  As hard as we try to manage and control our lives, there will always be surprises.  Be flexible and practice contingency planning.
• Despite the difficulty of your circumstances, remember to count your blessings.  Always focus on the positive.  Remember, things could be worse.
• No matter what, don’t be a victim because victims have no power.  Take action, respond to your challenges–you can always do something.
• Take small steps toward your goal.  The tallest mountains are climbed one foothold at a time.
• Don’t procrastinate.  Do something now–anything.
• Never lose hope.
• Celebrate your victories.