Lately I've been hearing more and more sad stories than usual from people I know. Various friends, acquaintances and former co-workers from years past have contacted me who have hit tough times, either emotionally or financially. Lost pets, lost jobs, closed businesses, divorce, money trouble, or just on the brink of something or other. It's a tough world out there, and it's never easy to deal with bad things in life when they hit. But it is a true test of our character and fortitude how we handle the low points as much as the high points. The only things I know about life is that it is too short and unpredictable. That's why I believe it is so important to cherish every moment, pause to appreciate the blessings we have, and focus on what matters most. That being said, when tough times do befall, it is equally important to allow oneself the process to grieve, express the dark emotions and just let it out. I tend to express myself in visual imagery, and chose this as the topic for another scintillating edition of The Saturday Seven: Visual Metaphors for Being Down. I should reassure you that this post has nothing to do with me, all is well in my life fortunately. I am merely dedicating this post to those folks out there who are struggling in some fashion. I hope these visual metaphors capture the feeling...
#1 Old Worn Out Shoes
#2 Broken Bottle
#3 Broken Egg
#4 Mangled Bicycle
#4 Mangled Bicycle
#5 Shattered Window
#6 Decimated Forest
#7 Empty Room
Remember, behind every cloud is that silver lining...and eventually a bright new sunrise.
Tomorrow is a new day...and a new beginning. If you are someone going through a rough time, I hope these images are cathartic for you. If you know someone going through a tough time right now, just be there for them and listen. Let them express their feelings, and then when the time is right, lift them up with all your might.
-Rick Rockhill
Good advice, Rick. I always try to find the silver lining to everything, but I'll admit it's getting harder. Raleigh has been recession-proof to a point, but there are many signs of it now, especially in the florist and special event business.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rick!
ReplyDeletethe shattered window resonated with me for some reason. I've been dealing with some difficult things in my family and can really appreciate this post. An unusual topic for your saturday seven's but I have to tell you it hit home for me, so thanks.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and poignant. I also know a number of people, and what is disturbing is the sheer number of them. Thankfully, the only constant is change.
ReplyDeletein the south we have very colorful ones, like:
ReplyDelete# If a trip around the world cost a dollar, I couldn't get to the state line.
# We were so poor I had a tumbleweed as a pet.
but seriously, they mean down also. there are tons more too.
hope things get better for everyone soon...
smiles, bee
oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Sums it up nicely Rick, good job capturing the sentiment. nice ending to it though.
ReplyDeleteAll so true...and how interesting to put a visual spin to grieving.
ReplyDeleteThese are tough times for a lot of us. The good news is that during times like these we get to redefine ourselves and what is really important in our lives.
It's a test to the human spirit that we find ways to get back up. For every visual reference you show (great analogy by the wy!), I think there is a "flip side" that would illustrate the hope we continue to have.
ReplyDeleteThese are indeed tough times, and everyone is touched in one way or another, but we will stand up strong and tall again. Soon.
So true Songbird. This too, shall pass.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it is very hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel...For me...I need images that will uplift me in some way. It is all a very individual thing, I know....Like you, I know an awful lot of people who are struggling with all sorts of problems now....Health, Financial, Emotional, etc. All you can do is be there for them in whatever way you can and in whatever way they need....And hope that things ease up...!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeleteYou are right life is short, and the sweet would not taste as good if we didn't have the bitter.
It does seem to be in the water these days. Just yesterday, another friend was layed off...unannounced. What a beautiful tribute to honor those who are suffering.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rick for the engouraging words. So many things happend around you that you have no control over and that really gets me down at times.
ReplyDeleteThe Decimated Forest is how I would describe my dark mood, which always passes luckily with a kind a kind word from a friend or a stranger :)
i'm sure those friends appreciate your support at a difficult time. it think it's also a test of character in how we respond to the folks we know who are having difficulty. you've got a tender heart.
ReplyDeleteGreat visuals. You're right. Sometimes people just need to vent and then they'll feel better. If you're a good listener, you can be a big help.
ReplyDeleteMorgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
I think you've chosen some great pics.
ReplyDeleteAnd I know I am so, so lucky right now.
--snow
p.s. I think your kids are cuties too!! ;)
ReplyDeleteI was six months pregnant with my youngest and last (9th) baby and getting ready for a beauty pageant. My husband called and told me that he'd been laid off. Once I realized that he was serious and didn't deserve to have me divorce him over a bad sense of humor, he told me that he was applying for two jobs before he came home.
ReplyDeleteThat summer was rough and had my eldest not been working at a friends' restaurant and brought home unsold food, I don't know how my husband and I would have eaten. I was on bed rest but went to the food bank and bought food on WIC. Unemployment only let him declare 3 dependents. We got behind on our mortgage payments. . . the bank would come out and take pictures of the house. Rick, I felt like I was with all my kids and husband, bailing from in a leaky raft with dorsal fins circling me with vultures over head! (How's that for a visual?)
We made it-- he went to work the day my OB took me off bed rest. Ironically, both of the two jobs he FIRST applied to hired him 3 months later and it was to these he was going. The first one called and trained him and the second, in the same company, called and it paid better. He was like, "I don't knwo what to do." The first job bosses told him, "It pays better! GO!"
We came within 3 weeks of loosing our home, even though Mr. Coffee's parents helped us. My children had learned to pick berries and edible greens, and the ONE expenditure that we made on ourselves was for my husband to get a fishing license so he and the older kids could fish. The kids remember it as the best summer EVAR. Mom and Dad spent lots of time with them, they ate food from Gary's bakery-- what wasn't to love?
Tea- That is a very powerful and moving personal story. It really illustrates the trials and triumphs that come to us in life. Glad things eventually worked out.
ReplyDeleteRick, you nut, where did you EVER find pictures of my shoes, my bicycle and my forest?
ReplyDeleteYou forgot to post the one of me..
http://picasaweb.google.com/daverhodester/TheRhodesTerChronicles#5250486840210180130
Well said, Rick. Yet, the one thing that keeps all going is hope. Lest we forget, it's something to keep in mind when the tough times visit us. "After all, tomorrow is another day."
ReplyDeleteA beautifully written and visually touching post, Rick. Thank you for writing this for those who need it. I hope your words have uplifted them as you wished. I only partly need it and it made me feel a bit better :)
ReplyDelete