Many people are being laid off, giving the impression that something is seriously wrong with the economy. When we read about such events in the past or of others that have experienced this, they seem so far away. Until you realize it. It appears strange when one is inside the belly of a dragon. How did I get here?
The truth is that everyone will encounter darkness at some point in their lives. The darkness is dense and deep. It could result from either voluntary or involuntary action. Why don’t we learn that this is going to happen to us? Have you ever heard the expression “let sleeping dogs lie”? Nobody wants to know the entire truth. It has the potential to make life a living nightmare. So, yes, ignorance truly is bliss. Stories about darkness are avoided like the plague, even in religious circles. “Did you hear so and so got fired?” they ask. “Sad, let us pray for them,” and the chapter ends. Nobody expects your time to come, let alone that you will have to face it.
Is it a good thing or a bad thing to be in the dark? The reality is that it is a necessary part of life. In most cases, it is not a pathological condition. Being in it is a necessary part of development. Just as the dry season in Africa decimates the vegetation, leaving bare ground and dead livestock, the West’s winter can be devastating if one is unprepared. Things will become extremely unpleasant at some point. Some people experience it in public, while others experience it in the privacy of their own minds. Have you ever wondered why we go through so much trouble?
In most great stories, a hero emerges. They usually emerge from a dark area. Whatever darkness one is in appears to be one of the great challenges that must be overcome. Without this darkness, all that is left is mediocrity. Accept and embrace your dark side. You will emerge in a short while. Someone can become isolated during the dark season. You’ve been separated from others and are on your own. This is an excellent time to reflect on one’s values, goals, and beliefs. We become so engrossed in the propaganda of our family and friends that we lose sight of who we are. To truly extract the juices that make life enjoyable, one must be grounded in their own identity. Why does it have to be an isolated occurrence? So that one takes full responsibility for the outcome of the experience. Consider being assisted out of the darkness and into a space with which you do not resonate. You’d only be blaming yourself, why did I follow them? It is a period of maturation and growth. Accepting this time makes it easier to bear.
Something we overlook. Being compassionate for many is a result of going through times of darkness. Look at your Grand Pa and Ma. When we do dumb things they tend to be more understanding. It is not just because they love us, it is also because the dark times they’ve gone through have improved the lenses with which they see reality. This is a choice though. While some emerge better from the dark place, there are those that emerge bitter.
So, yes, I’ve gone off the rails, and the train has passed. Whining is acceptable for a short period of time, but the sooner one accepts reality, the better. Both good and bad people experience dark times. Make the most of the dark period, because it is expected that you will emerge with hero qualities. Consider getting back on track with the same values, goals, and beliefs that you had in your previous job. That would be a real shame. The time will come when a door will open, and the hero you will become will walk in majestically, proclaiming, “I am here; everything is now going to be alright!”
It is time 