An old Yiddish proverb crossed my mind as I read the headlines this morning: “We plan, God laughs.” Every article seemed to be about unexpected events that forced a change of plans.
One was about the fact that coal mines are shutting down across West Virginia, forcing many to find another way to earn a living. A non-profit came up with a novel idea: training former coal miners to become beekeepers. They’ll be provided with equipment, advice, and bees for free or at a low cost.
Then I read about Ricky Kidd, a man who’d been wrongfully convicted and had spent twenty years in prison. When he was released over the summer, he was reunited with the shelter dog he’d trained while incarcerated. “I felt like that kept the human part of me alive,” he said. “Seven years later I get to catch up with Howie…We have a happy ending.” Kidd is now sharing his story and advocating for others who have been wrongfully convicted.
Change is an inevitable part of life, and it might even end up being a good thing.
I had to find a way to start over with knitting when I realized I could no longer use needles due to my visual impairment. When I realized I could work on the round-loom instead, it was a chance to “re-loop.” 🧶 Now I can relax while creating comfy scarves for the winter.
So, when a situation changes, re-group.
Re-purpose the challenge into a project.
Re-invent yourself by setting a new goal.
Don’t look back at what you’ve lost; look ahead and ask, “What’s next?”
10 comments
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October 28, 2019 at 6:07 pm
Sheila
Great advice! Too often we spend time mourning what we can’t have or have lost instead of seeing that it might open the way for new possibilities. This is a great thing to remember for the future!
October 29, 2019 at 2:14 am
rhcwilliams
So true, Sheila. It’s hard to re-focus your lens when a challenge is right in front of you. Thanks so much for your kind comments!
October 28, 2019 at 7:22 pm
whisperingleavesblog
I will remember your advice…
October 29, 2019 at 2:15 am
rhcwilliams
Now I just need to remind myself to live by it, too! 🙂
October 28, 2019 at 8:06 pm
Visionariekind
truth to power right in this post, I’ve felt that I’m re-eventing myself more often 🙂
October 29, 2019 at 2:21 am
rhcwilliams
Amen, Krissy! Necessity is the mother of re-invention. I think we’ve gotten to the point where we needed to move in another direction and found that new version of ourselves was a better fit. Much love to you, dear heart!💗
October 31, 2019 at 2:35 am
Visionariekind
so true 🙂
October 29, 2019 at 4:09 am
KDKH
That is a creative re-do for your knitting, but I would have expected a creative solution. Knit on!
October 29, 2019 at 4:27 am
rhcwilliams
We’re coming into hat and scarf season, so I’ll have to get on the ball. (Yarn pun there, sorry!) 🙂
October 31, 2019 at 5:06 am
KDKH
Ha, ha! I love a good pun!