You believe you’re called to make a meaningful difference.
You believe in something bigger than yourself.
You believe you’re on the right path.
You believe in prayer.
You believe in faith.
You believe in God.
You even believe God loves you and has a plan for your life! “…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) SO WHY DO YOU GET THE BLUES???
I could go into all sorts of possible reasons….from spiritual to psychological to emotional to physiological; but, for this blog post, I’d rather talk about what to do when “the blues” come out of nowhere.
If you’re a business owner who strives to help others through continual use of your gifts and talents, you don’t have time to waste on self-indulgence. I remember when my kids were little, and the inevitable tears would flow, I’d tell them (after sympathetic discussion of course) that they were welcome to cry for _x_ minutes, depending on their age. After that, it was time to move on and, as DeDe Murcer Moffett would say, Snap Out of It! Seemed to work pretty darn well for them. How ’bout for grown ups?? Should we limit how long we cry?
In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul advises the believers, “Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1Thess. 5: 16-18). By renewing our minds and transforming our thoughts, we make room for God’s Spirit to flow through us in service to others. The longer we stay stuck in a place of fear and sadness and limiting beliefs, the longer we restrict our ability to be a conduit of God’s love…to ourselves as well as those around us.
We all struggle. (“Give thanks!”) Thus develops our soul. Think of the Monarch butterfly. Without the struggle to escape its chrysalis, its wings don’t have the strength to fly. Struggles are part of life…part of growth…part of business. It’s how we handle our thoughts and emotions and actions during those inevitable times of struggle that determines the quality of growth that will occur. Let’s try to be grateful for our struggles and emerge from our chrysalis as quickly as we can.
One more thing…
Until this week, I’d never thought of the 23rd Psalm as a guide for entrepreneurs. I mostly associated it with funerals. We would do well to ponder these words in our hearts and remember to give thanks in all circumstances. Even when we get the blues.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
Thou anointest my head with oil;
My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Amen.
Richard K. Schwartz says
This is both inspiring and sage advice. My personal experience is that the best cure for the “blues/depression” is to be of service to others…especially, but not only, those less fortunate than ourselves. Regardless of our “business” we all have a service we can perform for others. I choose to become a pediatric occupational therapist rather than go to Law School believing I could best “help” others” by getting them to “help” or care for their self. It is the paradox of mental health that DOING not thinking or feeling is what “cures” depression. Occupation….”the work of our hands” is a healing force. The question when faced with “the blues” for a religious and/or spiritual person is not “what is wrong?” but “what are you going to DO about it?” The more our focus is on our actions and on other people (customers, patients, family), the more impossible it is to feel “blue”.
Jory says
So much wisdom in what you say, Richard. Thank you. It reminds me of what my dear father used to tell me, quoting Edward Hale, I believe: “Look up, not down. Look out, not in. And lend a hand…”
The more we think about others, and how we can be of service, the less time and energy we have to dwell on whatever may be bugging us.
I hope you will be a regular contributor to my blog!
Warmly,
Jory
Nancy Shields says
Jory,
I would imagine if we pray continuously and be grateful always we would always be joyful! I like to think of it like this – how many of us give thanks to our LORD when good things happen to us – but how many will not even consider giving thanks to our LORD when not so good things happen?
I remember a few Easter times ago, I was living in Asheville and my husband was having an affair and I went to church in the middle of the day for some solace- I kneeled there and prayed and I especially gave thanks for the not so good that was happening to me during that time – for in those not so good times, I lived, I learned and I grew…also MakeGirlfriends.com was conceived during those not so good times…
In gratitude to your lovely words and reminder to always give thanks,
Nancy
Jory Fisher says
Thank you, Nancy, for your insight. Forgiveness and gratitude help clear the way for love (including self-love) and service to others.
Blessings to you,
Jory