Everyone Has A “Thing”

The motto of this year so far for my family and I has been “it’s always something.” There is always another bit of tough news, always another doctors appointment, always another test that needs to be done, which means always another test result we are waiting on. I am exhausted and it is only day number 49 of the new year. Things just seem to be moving so fast, for example, I started the premise of this blog five days ago with just the title and there is already so much that has changed in those few days, even before I had the energy to write the first sentence.

Honestly, I don’t even have the energy to write down everything that has been going on, but we will be okay and get through it, what other option is there? Just know the twins are healthy so I find a lot of relief and happiness that it is one less thing I have to worry about.

With everything that has been going on, it actually has strengthened the point that I was originally going to write about. No matter how big or small it may seem to you, everyone has a “thing.” Everyone is going through something in their life whether it be personal health issues, health issues of a family member, financial trouble, marital problems, trouble at work or how about not having electricity and water like those currently in Texas. The list could go on and on. Our “things” may all be different or they might sometimes be the same, but we can all agree that everyone has a “something” even though they may keep it quietly to themselves. I’m able to understand this philosophy more and more the older I get and especially since being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Life isn’t always rainbows and sunshine, it’s messy, and there are a lot of people battling silent storms. MS can be an invisible disease and you may never know someone has it unless they are in the middle of a flare up or decide to disclose to you.

My point?

My point is actually twofold.

The next time you feel like being an asshole to someone because they told you “sorry, you can’t use that coupon, it’s expired” or berate the exhausted and constantly abused DMV employee, think to yourself, “in the grand scheme of life does this really matter?” Yes, I agree, the little things in life can be annoying, I’m human too, not a robot. But please take note of the word little and think to yourself “would I be treating an individual like this if I knew they were battling cancer and going to chemo every few weeks, or how about someone who is a single parent who is struggling to put food on the table for their child?” I hope your answer would be a resounding “NO.”

This idea can also be made for those on the receiving end. The next time you may be subjected to such behavior, try not to take it too personal. Realize that the person unleashing a verbal tirade or childish eye roll may be going through some serious shit in their life that they can’t control and you just happened to be the target that day because everyone has a “thing.” Don’t engage, don’t fight fire with fire and do not let it ruin your day, just move on. Of course, don’t get me wrong, there are some people in this world who are just absolute miserable SOBs and not even winning a million dollars, while sipping cold margaritas on the beach will make them crack a smile. Why? Because they think they should have won 5 million dollars, the greedy government will take out taxes, all while they get a brain freeze and a terrible sunburn. Perspective is important. Instead of getting mad, I feel sorry for these individuals and wonder “what in the hell has happened in their life to have shaped them to be this way” and I also think “margaritas sound good right about now” and I do my best to move on.

So please, try your best to be patient with your fellow humans, because you never know what someone could be going through. Also, take this philosophy to heart “Don’t take life too seriously. Nobody gets out alive.” I still don’t have this philosophy down, but I’m making it a priority, especially now, promise. Besides everyone having a “thing” to worry about, no one has ever made it out of this life alive, it’s one of the few things we all have in common. So make of it what you can, and do what the hell you want while you still have the time, as long as your not hurting others or yourself in the process, physically or emotionally. Maybe throw a margarita in there every once in awhile too.

Be Well – Be Happy – Be Kind – Be Present (and don’t forget, Be Patient)

-Ms. Meant To Be