When Your Whole Life Changes, Just Breathe!

Sometimes everything changes in the blink of an eye. When your whole life changes it’s best to have faith, be patient & just enjoy the ride! Thanks for being here for another inspired article. I hope this post finds you well and adjusting to the challenges and curveballs that will inevitably come your way. So, after 9 long months of pregnancy, my wife gave birth to our perfect, little boy, about two weeks ago. Now, this event basically sparked the desire to write down a few insights and share some perspectives with someone in the hunt for direction. When your whole life changes it’s important to live in the moment and just take it all in. But maybe you’re an experienced parent or an individual who copes well with massive life events. If that’s the case, congrats. I solute you!

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Take It All In Stride!

So, when your whole life changes, what do you do? Well, you just take it all in stride. One day at a time, you can do anything you put your mind to. And with our newborn son teaching my wife and I a whole new set of life skills, this is essentially advice to myself. Unfortunately, it’s easy to go to negative places and expect the worst when life starts to pile it all on you. The fact is that most of that wild stuff bouncing around in your head never happens anyway. Therefore, all that pointless worrying will only lead to sleepless nights and stress on top of stress. If you’ve got someone you can call, pick up the phone and ask for insight. To our benefit, there are many who have trudged the road and path we’re on. There’s no shame in saying you don’t know something.

When Your Whole Life Changes, Believe!

When your whole life changes, you most definitely do not want to lose hope. Believe in good things to come. I encourage those going through struggles to focus on what you can change and try to surrender what you cannot change. Coincidentally, this reminds me of the serenity prayer the members of A.A recite during recovery meetings. When your whole life changes, it can take a while to get your bearings. Having a newborn is a bit like being a freshman in high school or starting a new job. At first, it’s very daunting and feels overwhelming. However, with a vision of good things to come, I believe that baby steps will carry me and my family towards a happy and wholesome life with our new son.

Try Not to Demand Perfection…

I can speak firsthand to this concept as a recovering perfectionist. When your whole life changes, trying not to demand perfection from yourself or others can really lighten the burden of a heavy situation. Currently, things are pretty heavy with a newborn at home. Outside issues seems to become amplified, like gas on the fire. Furthermore, when circumstances get overwhelming, knee-jerk reactions can occur. My wife and I are living moment to moment but deep down there’s faith that “perfection” can manifest somehow, somewhere. However, when you’re in a problem and feeling like you’re going to drown, it can be a struggle to remain optimistic and have faith. It will be alright in the end my friends.

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Life Will Hit You Pretty Hard!

You may be wondering why you should trust a recovered alcoholic when it comes to life insights. Well, I’ve made a lot of mistakes and continue to do so. As a new father, I’m reminded of my imperfections at each moment of the day. However, despite my shortcomings, I’ve navigated some hard times and can tell you when your whole life changes, expect some hard hits! And we’re all going to get knocked down my friends. But if you can look up then you can get up and the fight is only done if you stay on the ground. So, wherever you are, take heart that you’ve got what it takes to overcome any mountain in your way. If things seem bleak and dark, just keep moving forward and the sun will rise on your dark night!

Thoughts From The Author

Thank you for being here and supporting this inspirational movement. I hope this post finds you well and making progress on your personal development journey. Please share the content you’ve found to be of value here with someone in need of help. Everyone is struggling so passing a motivational message along can be an answer to someone’s prayers. Keep your eyes to the sky and check out some additional articles on this site. All I Have Are Negative Thoughts and Live in the Moment are powerful compositions. So, when your whole life changes, keep believing! This is your moment so rise above it all. God bless! -The Good Guy

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This is Your Moment My Friends!

Welcome to another motivational article to help you along your personal development journey path. This is your moment my friends! Given that life is short, and I’ve made many mistakes, I’ve recently had an urge to max out on life. We’ll call it a moment of clarity or awakening, as it’s called in the halls of Alcoholics Anonymous. So, going all in became a mantra after being inspired to write an article on living in the moment called Future Tripping Ain’t a Good Thing. While doing some research I came across some regrets about life that folks reported on their death bed. Consequently, not fully committing to life and opportunities was a major regret. Therefore, it is in this light I would like to encourage the reader to always seize the day, go all in to add life to your years and know that this is your moment!

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Wake Up-Know That This is Your Moment!

If you’re on this page, you’re most likely already self-aware and on a personal development path. However, it’s possible you know something’s off and that your life requires a change. Congratulations! Because this is your moment. While some may take the initiative to make the requisite adjustments to life without life becoming unmanageable, I think most wake up due to some pain, suffering or uncomfortable circumstances. We’ve heard stories about people having near death experiences. So, almost losing something substantial, like life, can really provide a jolt to an individual to stop taking life for granted and start believing that this is your moment to truly live life to the fullest. Are you awake? The gifts we received in life are too priceless to merely dip a toe in, like someone testing the waters.

Legendary Les Brown Motivation!

It’s Time to Live Without Regret!

Living without regret may seem like a warm, fuzzy phrase but what does it mean to you? Well, this may require some self-reflection by you. Make an inventory or your life. List the pros and cons, assets and liabilities. This is an awesome starting point! If you can find out what you like and what you want to do, then you can begin living without regret. This is your moment to be present my friends. Tell yourself that you don’t want to be the person wishing they lived life more fully when you die. Furthermore, do whatever it takes to forget the past. It’s okay to learn from mistakes and circumstances outside our control. But focus on the moment with an eye on what you believe you can become! Make a game plan, set down the phone, get to know people and shake off the chains that hold you back!

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This is Your Moment So Take It!

So, maybe you’re self-aware and done some reflection on your life. Shoot, maybe you’ve made one of those personal inventories I recommended. If that’s the case, then you’ve most likely lived up in your head at times as well. Certainly, you’ve walked away from a situation and wished you could have it back. Maybe it was an opportunity to speak up, show your best and walk tall but you caved for some reason. This is your moment to commit to saying what you need to say, even if your voice shakes. Saving grace does come around twice, but then again, sometimes it doesn’t. Do you have a voice, get an instinct or urge that pops up occasionally to take action or get involved? These feelings are pushing you to take the leap. Don’t let fear cripple you and prevent you from taking the important shots in life!

Go Out and Take Some Risks!

There is no success without taking risks. So, think about successful people you know or maybe just read about. It’s a guarantee that successful people in business, sports, entertainment or even relationships, had to step the edge of that figurative cliff and take a leap of faith! But maybe you’re reading this and saying, “I’m not a risk taker”. That’s okay because this is your moment. The greats didn’t achieve success overnight. Unfortunately, there are false perceptions about those who reach greatness, however. Few blow up overnight or “get rich quick”. Progress, development, happiness and riches come as a result of trial and failure, most likely over and over again. Therefore, start small with taking some shots in life. Be patient with yourself. And stay away from comparison because that is definitely a destroyer of dreams!

This is Your Time So Go Get It!

In conclusion, let me first say thank you for being here. This is your moment and I believe you ended up on this page for a reason. Certainly, there are no coincidences in life. I have become a strong believer of this fact. Furthermore, I have come to know the concepts in this article to be true because I’ve learned a lot through much trial and error. Am I successful when it comes to riches or fame? Absolutely not! At this point in my 45 years, I’m simply looking for some semblance of peace and happiness. I believe this is your moment, and mine. Consequently, I’ve made the decision to seize the moment, speak up, face my fears and have come to understand life and myself more as a result of it. I hope you gleaned some knowledge from this article and that you’re living life to the fullest!

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Thoughts from The Author

Well, if you’re on this site for the first time, welcome! I love talking about motivation and personal development. Presently I have 16 years of sobriety, so personal, occupational and spiritual growth are of upmost importance. This doesn’t make me an expert or guru, however. I do like to write though. This site has served as an online journal, and I recommend checking out more of the content here. If you liked This is Your Moment, then check out the Best Self Help Audio Books, the Best Motivational Audio Books and Pearls of Wisdom Quotes for more inspiration. Also, Find Something to Live For and Live Life Without Regrets offer amazing encouragement. I’ve put much thought and prayer into all the content here and hope you’ll find value in it. Take care and God Bless! -The Good Guy

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The Breakdown: Why is life so hard right now?

This is a hard article to write. Why is life so hard right now? Well, the answer is complicated and typically doesn’t come in the time or place we would like it. Possibly this could turn into a philosophical or even a spiritual conversation. To be honest, this post is essentially a personal journal entry because I’m going through some hard times. So, my hope is that someone out there is able to takeaway some insight and apply these ideas to your own personal trials and tribulations. Whatever you do, don’t forget that you’re not alone in your struggles and know many are out there asking the same question: Why is life so hard right now?

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Hard Times Come to All of Us

In my opinion, one of the most difficult aspects of hard times is feeling alone in the struggle. I think back to my early recovery days from drugs and alcohol and thought the whole world had it figured out. It was very narrow sited but that’s where I was back then. One day at a time, I came out of my shell, got to know others and reshaped my view of the world around me. Hard times come to us all which makes me think of a bible verse from Matthew in the New Testament.

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Matthew 5

What does this verse mean to you? Well, for me it means that regardless of who you are, you’re going to have bad, rainy days. So, you can feel like you’re alone in your bad days and trials or you change your perspective and look outward to help others. Because all we have is each other, right? The “why is life so hard right now” question may just leave your mind and give you the motivation to persevere.

Everything Has Meaning

Now maybe you’re saying I’m being grandiose or hyperbolic with this segment but hear me out. Why is life so hard right now has come out of my mouth MANY times over the years. I can say however that I’m better than I used to be regarding knee jerk reactions to tragedy, trials or struggles. From getting sober back in 2007 to getting my career in nursing back and to my current crisis, each hard time seems less hard. Why? Because I can look back on each experience and see it for the growth I made. With an increased connection with God, I’ve seen the meaning and reason for the difficulties. Though it was hard to see at the time, in hindsight I should’ve surrendered and just let it all come. Once you see that hard times have meaning, you stop fighting and just go with the flow.

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You Are Being Refined

The refiner’s fire is compared to the hard times that come our way. Why is life so hard right now? Well, try to change your perspective from a negative one to a positive one. If you’re spiritual or religious, you may think you’re being punished. I personally don’t think that’s how life works. We’re all going to experience things that may seem unbearable at the time. Dealing with trials and struggles will be made more understandable by seeing your part in them. Look at the difficulties as you are being beaten on and being refined into a capable person, like the steal or iron worker beating a hot piece of metal into a beautiful tool or piece of art! Opposition will be present at all times in our life. To think otherwise is foolish.

Growth Comes From Hard Times

Think of the difficult times in your life and what you learned from them. Are you grateful for these trials? Well, probably not when you’re in it. No one wishes for pain, sorrow, uncertainty, anxiety or sadness. I mentioned before that life is full of opposition. If you don’t experience this opposition, life would be meaningless and without purpose. That opposition experienced in hard times provided perspective, so we are better able to appreciate the good times. Why is life so hard right now? Look at it as an opportunity for growth and the ability to see life through new lenses. Without tasting the bitter, one cannot appreciate the sweet. And without working out your ‘life muscles” then you’re going to be weak.

The Wrapup: Why Is Life So Hard Right Now?

Why is life so hard right now? Unfortunately, I only have my own personal theories based on my life experiences. Whether you’re a religious, spiritual believer or an atheist, acceptance without becoming bitter is key to weathering the storms of life. In the moment trials come our way, many will say they don’t want it. Hard times come to us all. This a fact and acknowledging it will help alleviate the burden. Look for the meaning when difficulties arise. It may be difficult to see at the moment, but the sun will rise again and you’re going to be okay. Also, know that you’re in the process of developing capabilities and figurative muscles that will carry you through future trials. Why is life so hard right now? You may not have the answers now but fight on my friends because they’re out there. You just have to keep looking.

Update! Baby Boy Shumway Coming 2024!

Thanks for Weathering the Hard Times With Me!

I appreciate you stopping by this site and reading the thoughts I’ve laid out here. This blog has become a friend to me. A person I can come to and share the good time and the bad with. Have you ever considered journaling or blogging? It’s therapeutic because there’s something about putting words to paper or a blank screen that helps get it off your chest. This blog has given me something to look forward to and I hope you’re finding the answers you seek in life. If you like what you’ve read, please share it with someone and send me an email to say hello! I’d love to hear from you. Check out my latest article on weathering difficult times with a Focus on What You Can Control!

Thoughts From The Author

If you’ve found value in the words you’ve read here, I encourage you to read and share additional content with someone in need. Firstly, Find Something to Live For and Emotional Wreck: How Do You Cope are powerful articles. And for your mindset growth checkout Live Life Without Regrets! I hope this article finds you well and succeeding on your personal development journey. God Bless!

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