Over the years I have considered the fact that I have
spent a great deal of time in life’s valleys; times of discouragement,
frustration, anxiety and have often wondered why. What was I doing wrong that allowed me so
little time to view life from its peaks?
But then during one of my epiphany days, it occurred to me, the way a
person defines both valley’s and peaks have a great deal to do with their
perspective, attitudes, and lessons while experiencing any life situation or
circumstance.
Exactly what is a valley?
Is it when life isn’t giving you what you say you want, or you think you
deserve? Is it when you are worse off
than others you know? Is it when your
life is just going down in flames and you haven’t a clue as to why? Is it when all your Facebook Friends are
busier and doing more fun stuff than you are . . . or, is it really a time of
life when it is important to pay attention, learn and grow so that when you
leave the valley you will be better equipped to enjoy the peaks? My early perspective was the former and it
took me many years and a lot of time in the valleys to finally change my definition
of them. As I have put more years behind
me, I have discovered that the times in the valleys have helped me a great deal
when I was fortunate to see life from a peak.
What is the peak, really?
Is it when life is good? When all
you desire comes to you? Is it when
there is no pain, failure or adversity?
Or, is it a time when you can get too relaxed, confident and even
arrogant about what you have, who you are and where you are heading?
Many people in history have made their greatest
contributions to life and their fellow man while in life’s valleys. And a lot of people who have enjoyed many
years on the peaks have contributed very little. They just took and took.
I can recall hating the valleys and longing to leave them
hoping for some relief from the pain and despair that were my everyday
companions. I can also tell you that
life from the peaks without arriving there having spent some time in the
valleys will be of little value and joy, if getting there didn’t require some
valuable lessons learned in the valleys.
Here’s my point if you are still wondering.
Don’t spend your time in the valleys whining, complaining
or blaming. It’s a waste of time and
energy. And believe me, everyone sooner
or later will visit one of the many valleys in life. If you have never been in one or are not in
one now . . . keep the vigil my friend for it may be just around the next
corner ready to pounce while you are happy and carefree even arrogant enjoying
life from one of life’s many peaks.
I’m not being negative – trust me – but I have learned
that no one escapes a few valleys sooner or later.
If you have paid the price of time in a valley never
forget its lessons and learning. I’m not
suggesting that you wallow or stay stuck in the past but that you never become
so overconfident thinking “you have paid the price, it’s clear sailing from
here on.” As a sailor, I can tell you – you never know what the wind can do to
you if you are not prepared.
And please keep one thought in mind, the lessons learned from
the valleys make the time you get to spend on the peaks so much more gratifying,
joyful and filled with peace.
PS: If you’ve never been in a valley – it’s coming . . .
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