Sometimes life is hard. This is hardly a radical insight. But it struck me on the M6 a couple of weeks ago when I was making a long drive – which I hate because: lorries, weather, GTA escapees – due to a family emergency.
The following days were just as difficult – again driving unfamiliar roads in gloomy conditions, my head full of what-ifs.
Prior to this, I’d been motoring along nicely (ha!), focused on career and creative goals and making good progress. I was clear what I wanted and had plans to make it happen.
All of which is to say, there will always be occasions when we get knocked completely off course. Life’s unpredictable and we don’t know what’s round the corner. We have to let ourselves be okay with that.
- Do what you have to do and drop the rest
- Let yourself off the hook when you don’t have the headspace to do more
- Allow friends, family and colleagues to pick up the slack when they offer
- Accept kindness wherever you meet it
- Remember nothing lasts forever
I was immensely encouraged through all this by a song on the radio that’s now taken up residence in my head: Too Good for Giving Up by Liam Gallagher. The video for the song promotes young men’s mental health charity, Talk Club, and shows a lad supported as he struggles with the burdens of life by friends and strangers.
The important thing to remember when we get knocked sideways is that our goals will wait for us. Keep focused. Come back when you’re ready. Keep pushing on.
It’s unrealistic to imagine everything will be plain sailing, but in the words of Liam Gallagher – “Look how far you’ve come, stronger than the damage done, step out of the darkness unafraid.”
I’d love to hear about your goals and how you’ve kept working towards them after tough times – so add a comment or email me hello@storyroad.co.uk
For now you can learn more and donate to Talk Club here