I had a different post for today, but I couldn’t go through with posting it. In light of current events, it just seemed so trivial. This past week I was informed about the tragic and untimely death of two people that I went to high school with. I can’t even fathom the grief and shock that their family and friends must be going through. That kind of pain and loss is unimaginable and my thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. After hearing this devastating news, it seemed that everything else I heard was just more sad and horrible news. A brain tumor scare, a cancer diagnosis, the slow decline of a family member’s friend, relationship drama, car accidents, the list goes on. Perhaps I was just more acutely aware of these events because of the news of the first, perhaps every week has this much bad news, but it seemed so overwhelmingly negative. It’s all so hard for me to process, I don’t even think I can put into words how I’m feeling, only that I am so sorry that there is so much suffering in this world and I wish it didn’t have to be this way.

The one thing this week truly gave me though, is perspective. Yes, I may have a chronic disease, but it’s manageable and it’s not a death sentence. I’m still in good health, I have friends and family that love me, and I have so much to be grateful for. The events of this week made my own daily struggles and frustrations seem so small, and rightly so. It’s important to have that kind of perspective. It reminds you to not take anything for granted, to truly live each day to the fullest, to live in the moment, and to cherish the people in your life. It didn’t feel right to spend today’s post talking about low blood sugar or other inconveniences. Today is about taking a step back from your own life, stepping outside of your own daily hassles, frustrations, and problems and acknowledging the bigger picture. It’s about realizing that although your worries may seem great, there is someone else with far greater worries. It’s about recognizing the struggles and suffering of those around you and being there for them, even just in thought.

It’s so easy to get caught up in your own little bubble, but I’m learning that it can be beneficial to take some time to step back and to put your life and the problems you may be facing in perspective. Perhaps for a moment, they won’t seem quite so bad.

“I was angry, for I had no shoes. Then I met a man who had no feet.” ~ Chinese Proverb