Is it Good or is it Bad? (It feels bad)

Is it Good or Bad?

I don't think many will argue that a natural disaster is bad.  My family and I are safe and evaluating the damage to our home and island following Hurricane Milton.  It has felt very, very overwhelming and "bad" on all accounts.  But I remembered this story and it continues to help me in my darkest moments:

Who Knows What is Good and What is Bad (A Taoist Story)

“When an old farmer’s stallion wins a prize at a country show, his neighbor calls round to congratulate him, but the old farmer says, “Who knows what is good and what is bad?”

The next day some thieves come and steal his valuable animal. His neighbor comes to commiserate with him, but the old man replies, “Who knows what is good and what is bad?”

A few days later the spirited stallion escapes from the thieves and joins a herd of wild mares, leading them back to the farm. The neighbor calls to share the farmer’s joy, but the farmer says, “Who knows what is good and what is bad?”

The following day, while trying to break in one of the mares, the farmer’s son is thrown and fractures his leg. The neighbor calls to share the farmer’s sorrow, but the old man’s attitude remains the same as before.

The following week the army passes by, forcibly conscripting soldiers for the war, but they do not take the farmer’s son because he cannot walk. The neighbor thinks to himself, “Who knows what is good and what is bad?” and realizes that the old farmer must be a Taoist sage. ” ~ From “The Tao Book and Card Pack” by Timothy Freke

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This story is a lesson that is easier read than implemented.  Believe me - all of this feels bad right now, in the moment.  But this story gives me hope that a set of events have been put in motion that I cannot yet understand or judge.

But unlike this Taoist - I refuse to ignore the "good".  I give thanks for and celebrate what feels good in my life in that moment. 

Detachment will prevent pain.  But for me, it also prevents joy.  So I allow myself to attach somewhat, while having the awareness not to get too attached or sucked into any one idea, person, or thing fully.

I believe that the three years of living in my dream location and celebrating life while I was there filled my heart and mind with positivity.  I created a bank account of relationships, health, and stability that I am drawing down upon right now.

We learned a lot two years ago through the Hurricane Ian experience and while it was also painful at the time, a lot of good did come from it.  The most useful is an unwavering confidence that we can figure it out, no matter how bad it gets.

And we are figuring it out.  My boys have seen us prepare, evacuate, stay safe, and clean up.  They fully understand the risks of living in this area.  They also love their friends, their school, and our home, and are dealing really well with all of this.

I am grateful for all of your support, generosity, kind words, and connections.  I appreciate your patience as I get myself and my family settled so that I can once again be fully focused on supporting you.

We are all affected by the "hurricanes" of life and loss - whether it is a job, career, relationship, the idea of what you thought your life would look like, your financial situation, etc. 

But before you go to that dark place where it all looks so bad, I ask you to remember this story.  

Celebrate your wins.  Be grateful for what you have.  Remove yourself from judgment and try to find peace with what is.

And when it feels bad, remember that it isn't the end of your story.  Because who knows that is good and what is bad?   Only time will tell.

Cheers to your future,
Sharon

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