As sure as the sun rises every day, our lives will ebb and flow with good fortune and misfortune. The quotes illustrating this fact are endless. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” “We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope.” “Good times, bad times, you know I had my share.”
Thinking of those close to me currently going through difficult times, I’m reminded of one of the roughest times of my life 11 years ago this month; being downsized out of my job of almost three years. The worst part was going to work every day that month knowing it will end and feeling like a “dead man walking” as I sensed the sympathetic stares as I passed through the office.
Close to the end, when I was cleaning my cubicle, I lifted the door of an upper shelving unit and discovered something that slipped my memory that brought my spirits up just enough to endure my last days. The inside of the door had a collage of about twenty post-it notes from departments all over the company with thank you notes for work I’ve done for them over the years. The upper administration didn’t appreciate my work, but the people I directly served in the company did. Those reminders made all the difference.
Since darker times are inevitable, I would suggest having reminders readily available to silence that nasty voice in the corner of your mind ready to pounce when your guard is down. Holding on to thank you cards with personally written messages are great. I still have cards from over twenty years ago in a box that I’ve gone back to many times over the years. Recognitions and awards for your work that are easily visible can bring back confidence when you doubt yourself. Photos or reminders of those you care for at your desk help when you need to remember your purpose. People who’ve had an impact on your life can still do so, even if they passed on. I have a photo of my boss George, from my first job as an editor, at my work station to always remind me where I started and how much I’ve grown.
One of the many reminders in my office.
Expressing your gratitude towards others through a text, email, hand written card or phone call could have a profound impact on that person as well as yourself. From Tony Robbins to Les Brown, many have spoken on the practice of being grateful as a way to open yourself to a more fulfilling life and also another way get through the harder times. When I went to the funeral of a childhood friend’s Mother, I handed him a sealed envelope and told him when he felt he needed a lift at his darkest time, open the envelope. It contains a reminder from our childhood that only makes sense to us and I know he’ll let out a much needed laugh which will help him. I haven’t heard from him yet which means he hasn’t reached that low point. I hope he never needs to open that envelope, but it feels good to know it’s there for him.
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