To say I have been disappointed this past week – is quite an understatement.

It has been a week when everything seems to have gone wrong – so many plans – were suddenly thrown into disarray- and we had to deal with many dashed expectations.

It hasn’t been easy – far from it – but I have had to remind myself of these words – “Disappointment – is a temporary detour – not a dead end” – it does not last forever.

There have been times when there seemed to be no end to the mounting problems – and I confess – that I have had to pull on all my resources – to stay positive – and to actually remind myself that – as this quote so aptly puts it – “Being positive is not just about looking on the bright side of a situation – it is more about accepting that things can go wrong – and it is okay to have setbacks – because – there will always be a way out”.

Setbacks are often hard to handle – and for me – it has been so important to remember that – these things are in fact – just that. They are simply – ‘setbacks’ – not – ‘an end’ – I just need to stay strong – and look ahead with anticipation towards that way out – towards ‘brighter days’ – and ‘smile through the storm’.

And so I have heeded this advise – “Take a deep breath and remember- where you are right now – is not where you’re going to end up”.

As I write – the clouds seem to be clearing – and I no longer feel as though we are ‘stuck’ – in this situation- as things are moving forwards – enabling us to ‘come out at the other end’

Then – I can put behind me – those disappointments -and dashed expectations – and move on.

Life – as I have come to recognise – is full of uncertainties – and can often – as my brother pointed out – be like a roller coaster ride – with – laughing – crying – joy – sorrow – mountains – and valleys. And at times it does feel as though all of them are happening at once – and you have to simply – ‘hang on tight’.

This quote is so true – “You may not control all the events that happen to you – but you can decide – not to be reduced by them”.

I can control my actions – and reactions – and the way I allow events to shape me. So – I move forward – refusing to be downhearted – and determined to grow through it all – as I move – beyond the setbacks – to whatever lies ahead.

Blessings – Lois