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Writer's pictureConnie Mason Michaelis

If You're Going Through Hell

Excerpt from Daily Cures, Wisdom for Healthy Aging by Connie Mason Michaelis




The statement, “If you are going through hell, keep going,” is attributed to Winston Churchill.  There is some debate about who originated the quote, but Churchill certainly said a similar statement, “Never, never, never give up.” The very moment we are in a dark place is the time to do everything within our power to move forward one step at a time.  What person is there that does not go through difficult times?  One of my favorite books is “The Road Less Traveled” by Dr. Scott Peck.  Basically, he says in the first chapter that life is difficult and that it is a great truth because once we truly see and accept this truth, we transcend it.  Peck gently encourages readers to move through the hard and often painful process of change. The goal is to keep moving toward a higher level of life experience.  Another way to say that is, “Don’t get stuck!”

 

I observe that the older we get, the easier it is to get stuck. As we age, we need to be aware of our tendency to retreat from change; change is the indicator of life.  Life does seem more difficult every day. Physical, emotional, and mental challenges slow down our ability to problem-solve and take on new tasks.  All I have to do is have a day with my grandchildren to know that I cannot physically or mentally manage what I used to do every day. The decision to downsize that so many seniors face is so overwhelming that frequently they just get stuck. To think of moving as a simple thing is naïve, but at the same time, one has to keep moving forward to reach the goal.  It may even feel like hell, but don’t stop there!  The other side of that passage is very rewarding; just ask someone who has managed to go through it. They usually say, “I wish I’d done it sooner!” 


"It is only because of problems that we grow mentally and spiritually." M Scott Peck

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