Saturday 17 October 2009

a tough week

Folks- it's been a tough week. I am sure you have all had them. Sometimes we have a month of them. Sometimes even a year of them. Had that experience?

But it's been interesting and I have learnt a lot. It hasn't been wasted. That's one thing I have learnt over the last forty odd years: life can be damned difficult, and painful, but there's always something to learn if you are prepared to look for it.

To encapsulate. First of all, after my lovely day on Monday on which I felt great, I started to feel poorly and tired. Learning? I just went with it and rested when I could. I am waiting surgery, and I just need to be patient and manage on a day to day basis as best I can.

Secondly, I found out my operation has been put back a week, so it's now mid November rather than at the beginning. And it's not confirmed yet. Learning? Patience. There are folk in a lot worse of situation who need the slot. I will manage. It will pass.

Thirdly, I have had really tough news on a few friends of mine and their health. You know who you are. I am praying for you and sending positive energy. Learning? I am reminded how important my friends are to me and how much I love them. And that life is really painful sometimes and how we need to support each other through hard times. I have also learnt just how important my faith is to me, and how much strength I get from it.

And finally, we got disappointing news about a piece of work that we hoped to get and didn't. We will find out why on Tuesday. It has been a tough week in the business generally: waiting for answers, waiting for decisions, lots of hope and interest but not the action we had hoped for yet. We are opening our own training room soon, and it is a big step and a marvellous opportunity, but with any big step its a challenge. Exciting and scarey at the same time.

Learning? Where do I start? How much my attitude has changed in the last few years. I think bigger, I think more creatively, I am more bullish, I have real confidence in what I can do, what other half can do, what our wonderful team can do, what the business can do. And I have learnt from the past that playing it small often brings you what you are trying to avoid. Trying to stay safe can be dangerous. Keeping it small can keep it vulnerable. And also that it's ok to fail, as long as you are trying and learning and doing your very best.

I am re-visiting my old favourite book of business and personal effectiveness: 'The seven habits of highly effective people'. For me, it's still the best and it is incredibly inspirational. If you don't know it, I highly recommend it.

16 comments:

MyBulletinBoard said...

Jo, tough week here, too. Thanks for the encouragement! Hang in there. And I'll check out the book. Thanks. ~Liz

tmmb said...

So sorry about the rough week. While I agree about the learning, I also think you are one tough cookie and a generous soul. The world is lucky to have you. Speak soon x

Clippy Mat said...

thanks for sharing. your lessons help to put things into perspective. sorry for your bad luck but you are dealing with things admirably.
hugs :-))

Gberger said...

I'm awfully sorry to hear that it's been such a tough week, but I love your perspective...and the way you process all of this. I think I needed to hear the part about "playing safe," for some reason.
I pray for your comfort and for strength to endure in the midst of all of this news: the physical, the emotional and the work-stuff. You are "letting your light shine," and it helps others, as well as yourself. Thank you!

Expat mum said...

Good job it's almost Halloween. Your favourite!

Saz said...

sorry you've had a tough week Jo!!

hope things sort themselves out soon for and yours....
The book sounds helpful..I shall go find it on amazon...

l'm off to bed with my laptop for a dvd, hagen Das strawberry shortbread, a cup of camomile tea and a swizzlers jumbo lollypop...obviously l wont start to lose any weight this week then...but I will feel comforted...

Carole Burant said...

Ah yes, tough weeks and even months have been known to happen around here too! As you say, though, if you can learn something from it then that's what counts. Sometimes a change of attitude is needed as well and yes, it helps to remember that others have it worse than we do. I do hope next week goes better for you:-) xoxo

Busy Bee Suz said...

I am sorry to learn of your tough week....I do hope you are feeling better and your friends will recover soon from their health issues. Business...well that is a toughie. I understand dissapointment very well too. I do hope things move in an upswing for you and yours. Take care, Suz

Unknown said...

Hello Jo,

Thanks for popping in at Present Perfect. Glad you liked what you saw.

Sorry to hear of your woes. I hope that the coming weeks are much better. Your attitude is inspiring.

Barbara said...

Jo,words of wisdom and inspiration indeed, good to hear from you again lets use our collective consciousness to help us create a better week ahead Barbara

Loopin said...

A bad week isn't always bad if we learn good things from it, but it's a tough way to get valuable lessons. Sorry it's been the hard sort of learning for you this week.

Couldn't agree more about thinking big and not being afraid to fail. Making mistakes in life proves you're out there, having a go! The only people who never fail are the ones who never try, I suspect. It's just that mental toughness to keep brushing yourself down and having another go...

You are as inspiring and thought-provoking as ever!

niartist said...

I'm so sorry to visit your blog for the first time while you've been having a bad week. I hope things get better - from the sounds of people who visit often - you're sure to prevail! :) I'll be back to see how it goes. I hope you can stop by for a look, or two ... ;) take care! Fab job! http://niagaranovice.blogspot.com

l'optimiste said...

it seems to be the time for a tough week all round! ugh - I had one too, and learned a few things that I didn't like about myself. Quickly rectified - as you say, learning. I always thought as a kid that when I grew up I'd know everything...er, WRONG! :)

So sorry to hear your op has been delayed. That sucks. I hope you get a confirmed date SOON
x

Gill - That British Woman said...

sorry about the rough week, but you have a great attitude, and that's what matters more!!

Gill in Canada

Foody said...

Sorry to hear about your hard week. I took your recommendation of looking in at Pea's birthday party. Stunning!

Duchess of Tea said...

Hello darling, so nice of you to visit my cottage and for the sweet words you left behind, much appreciated. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your good wishes and prayers. I am one lucky girl to have such caring and loving circle of friends, you truly are the gem in my teacup. You have an interesting blog and a new follower….me, I am now going to go stroll around your lovely blog. I am looking forward to many more visits….
Love & Hugs
Duchess