Yes it takes effort- concentrated effort – but it’s so worthwhile. We are living in a time when we seem to have to continually overcome something.

But it can be simple too. I went to IHOP this morning and when asked how she was, the woman who greeted me said “I’m alive and I have a job. I’m great”.

It’s going to be dangerously cold for much of the US this weekend. Are you going to be in a place that can keep you warm even if the power goes out? Think about those that are unhoused or otherwise destitute. Think of them before you start to complain if the power goes out or you can’t go somewhere because of snow or ice.

They are suffering. You’re probably not.

People will help them (I hope) overcome their suffering. What will you be doing?

Hopefully you’ll stay safe and can at least be grateful there are those overcoming adversity. What can you do to help for the future?

Take some time to think about your suffering and how much you’ve exacerbated it with the “what if” syndrome. I’m really good at that game. But I continually try to stay in the present and not catastrophize. Isn’t it interesting that when we play the what if game, we never look at the “what if it gets better and is nothing”?

We can overcome much more than we think. And you know what? We already have. Take a look back at your life and find those times you’ve “overcome”. It will help you know that you can do it again.