What Happens When We Can’t Put A Positive Spin On Our Troubles?

My client, Michael, was very sad about several things happening in his life. He had just broken up with his girlfriend who he liked, but found certain aspects of her personality too hard to manage. At about the same time, an employee upon whom he relied heavily, announced he was leaving the business. The prospect of these changes just made him feel sad and somewhat depressed. I think when he called me he expected I would put a positive spin on his troubles, but instead I acknowledged his sadness and reminded him that he has Maybe.

Sometimes it is hard to see the positive side of life when you feel disappointed or an unexpected event leaves you feeling alone and groundless.  You want to feel optimistic but you just don’t see how life will change or what could possibly make things better.  This is a perfect moment to let Maybe into your life.  The idea of Maybe helps you accept where you stand in the moment, but also gives you an opening to recognize that things will always change.  In time, you understand that Maybe whatever situation is making you feel sad will turn out to be a good thing, Maybe things will get better or Maybe that sadness will evolve into acceptance and feeling okay about how things turned out.  Maybe allows you to feel sad but will not let you get stuck in that place. It offers you an opening of hope that you can glide into naturally over time when you feel ready.

As we talked and Michael started to breathe in and out the idea of Maybe, he felt relieved and actually a little happier. Acknowledging life would change again allowed him to feel hope and not doomed to be stuck in his sadness. Over time, he saw that there are many paths and that one would lead him to a new place. Maybe he will find lasting love.  Maybe he will find an even better employee.

So today, whether you are feeling sad or anxious about something that is happening, make the time to let some Maybe into your life. Just breathe in and out the idea of Maybe throughout your day. Watch for the opening it gives you.  No matter how small the opening, over time MAYBE it will light your way to hope and all the possibilities that life can offer.

Change is inevitable, but Maybe everything is still okay!