Ponderings (March 2009) - “UNEXPECTED”
According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary …
Unexpected is “not expected; unforeseen”
Sharing my thoughts …
March has been a month of unexpected events and discoveries. I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). I’ve made conscious health choices in my life and to find out that I have cancer was totally unexpected and very challenging. Then shortly after the diagnosis, I was hit by yet another unexpected discovery; but, this one was quite pleasant. The amount of support I received from family, friends, clients, doctors, nurses and the local cancer support group was incredible! I’ve been overwhelmed with everyone’s kindness and love.
I don’t know what other unexpected discoveries are around the corner; but, I trust that though some will be challenging others will be filled with grace.
Questions to ponder …
- What can you do to cope with the unexpected?
- What can you do to help others cope with the unexpected?
- What unexpected event has changed your life the most and how?
- What is the challenge in the unexpected? What is the gift in the unexpected?
- What unexpected event has happened to you recently? How did you respond?
- How can you stay open to the possibilities in the face of unpleasant unexpected events?
- What is the serendipity in an unexpected turn of events that you’ve recently experienced?
- How do you typically respond to the unexpected? Does this response serve or hinder you?
Related quotes …
To expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect. [Oscar Wilde]
True stability results when presumed order and presumed disorder are balanced. A truly stable system expects the unexpected, is prepared to be disrupted, waits to be transformed. [Tom Robbins]
Nobody says you must laugh, but a sense of humor can help you overlook the unattractive, tolerate the unpleasant, cope with the unexpected, and smile through the day. [Ann Landers]
We all experience many freakish and unexpected events – you have to be open to suffering a little. The philosopher Schopenhauer talked about how out of the randomness, there is an apparent intention in the fate of an individual that can be glimpsed later on. When you are an old guy, you can look back, and maybe this rambling life has some through-line. Others can see it better sometimes. But when you glimpse it yourself, you see it more clearly than anyone. [Viggo Mortensen]
