The Elevator of Life
One morning it hit me – life is like an elevator, it goes up and down and up and down! The more I thought about it, the more the analogy made sense – one day you’re up in the Penthouse and the next day you’re down in the Basement!
Life is and can be very challenging. How different things are now than before Covid. Some things have changed for the better, some for the worse. Costs for everyday living are still sky-high, many businesses are still struggling to survive, etc. But on the other hand, things like new breakthroughs in medicine are saving more lives, and new forms of modern technology have made our lives easier.
Each day we wake up and step into life’s elevator. It’s hard to know exactly what floor we may be going to. If things are going ok, we’re exiting into life’s Lobby. If things are going fabulous, we’re riding up to the Penthouse — for other folks, they’re getting off somewhere in between. But when things go wrong – financial woes, poor health, loss of loved ones, etc., we find ourselves riding the Elevator of Life all the way down to the dreaded Basement!
Sometimes it is hard to have positive thoughts, especially after watching the latest news reports. Sometimes your own problems may seem insurmountable.
No matter the chaos around you, look for the calm. Meet friends or family members for a quiet cup of coffee or lunch. If you have the time, find a cause you believe in and volunteer to help. Take up a new sport or hobby that involves interacting with other people – i.e., book clubs, wine clubs, tour groups, hiking groups, gardening groups, etc. Joining a local church and getting to know the minister and fellow church members can be uplifting.
Seek out nature. Try some quiet meditation on a garden bench. Have a soothing cup of tea or coffee on your balcony, patio or in your backyard while focusing on the beauty of nature surrounding you. Perhaps a stroll through the park: The fresh air is bound to clear your head and brighten your mood.
Most of all, be thankful for TODAY. Whether you realize or it not, each day is meant to be a challenge: A challenge to stay on a positive track. A challenge to be the best you can be, no matter the circumstances. A positive attitude will always prevail over a negative attitude. Staying strong and positive even during tough times will always pay off…maybe not right away, but eventually.
If your daily elevator ride is taking you to the Penthouse, never take it for granted, it’s important to take some extra time to be thankful for that long ride to the top!
No matter your situation, stay strong, stay focused – daily prayers can help you with that. Remember, two other important things: 1: When you are down in the Basement, the only way to go is “up.” 2. You are “never” riding the Elevator of Life alone – God is always riding right along with you!