“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind” — C.S. Lewis

I have never seen so many patients with anxiety as I have in the past two years. Probably 25% of my day is spent empathizing with patients’ life situations. Some of this is because, after more than 20 years, patients have grown up and grown old with me. I am blessed to be able to be a blessing for them when they need me. One reason we can be a blessing is because we, too, have faced challenges in life.

REFLECTING ON THE CHALLENGES

I don’t know about you, but I have had my share of challenges over the past few years. A few were life changing, which forced me to acknowledge the past for what it was and look ahead. I have learned you cannot experience love without pain, you cannot grow without being hurt, and you cannot bring others value without some suffering along the way. Anyone who does any sort of weight training knows muscle is built when it is torn down.

I don’t know why I have been so shaken — the tough times are a part of life. What I do know is that it is imperative that we surround ourselves with good people and good advice, so we are able to push through the pain, heartache and challenge, and come out of it as better people.

In his book The 3rd Alternative, Stephen R. Covey shares his personal motto: “Live life in crescendo! Your most important work is always ahead of you.” The quote reminds me of how much I love the “work.” If you love music, you never stop playing. If you love tennis, you schedule matches. If you love the beach, you find yourself there regularly, as you should.

THE “GREAT PAUSE”

So many changes are happening today. There is much talk of the “Great Resignation” and what it means. I feel the meaning is simple: Forced to slow down for two years, people were given time to think about what is important. Now, many are doing something they may never have been brave enough to do without this “Great Pause.”

Now, that we have “paused,” the question is, what will we do next? If I were 28, I would plan feverishly for my next half of life by saving money, working hard but not overworking, playing hard with family and friends but not at another’s expense, and serving well, knowing my life is better when I bring value to others.

At 50 something, my goals are somewhat the same. Hopefully, those of us at this age have our work life on sort of an autopilot and have kids who are almost grown, so we can focus on our next great thing. It is important to remember not to slow down. When asked why at 93 he still practiced for three hours every day, the great cellist Pablo Casals replied, “I’m beginning to notice some improvement. . . I notice myself getting better at this.” He told others “to retire is to die.” He reportedly played age 97, contributing his best until he took his last breath. He was determined to live his life in crescendo, as Dr. Covey wrote.

WHAT IS YOUR NEXT MOVE?

What about us? You have had the great pause. You may have decided to move into the next great thing or at least make your time today the best it can be. I look forward to watching you make it happen. Now is the time to take off and live your life in crescendo, knowing that there are far better things ahead than any you have left behind. OM

Email: april.jasper@pentavisionmedia.com

Twitter: @DrAprilJasper

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