Most of the time we are navigating our lives with a sense of predictability. Our sights are set and our compass is pointing us in the direction we want to go. We like it that way, feeling like we have a sense of control. Even amidst the aspects of our lives that are dysfunctional, the dysfunctional becomes habitual, and therefore part of the routine.  Sure, we "get it" that bad things can happen to good people, just watch the news. But for the most part we we live with the hope that we can get through our days without getting bumped into and knocked around up too much. The avoidance of pain is the greatest driver of human behavior.

But try as we might to control our lives and the lives of those we love, there are times in everyone's lives that we get thrown into rough waters. When events not anticipated or planned for throw us off course. The times we did not see coming that blindside us out of routine and into crisis mode.

I think the worst part of a crisis event is the terrible feeling of vulnerability and powerlessness that we are left with. It taps into that primal fear that is inherent in our child mind when we truly understand that we are helpless, and that if not for "them" we cannot survive. It's a terrifying feeling, and to me, it is the underlying cause of all fears and phobias that exist in our adult lives. Dissect any fear down to the bone, and it is a fear of not surviving.

Truth be told, change is the only constant in life.  Nothing stays the same forever. People come and go into our lives, relationships change, jobs end, our health veers off in an unforeseen  direction. We want so badly to be able to keep it all good and safe and comfortable. But as spiritual beings living in a human world with all that it brings, we are vulnerable. But never forget, we are not powerless.

And truth be told, I am in rough waters myself as I write this. I face job uncertainty, something that totally caught me by surprise. And while in the rough waters, I will share with you my thoughts as I doggie paddle my way. Swimming is not my strong suit. And I did not pack a life vest.

I am trusting in the Universe and the bigger picture. I am confident that I will get to the other side, and that it might even be better than I expected. Sometimes Universe does for us what we are unable to do for ourselves, out of some fear deep down inside.

I think that if I did not or could not trust in that Higher Power, I would sink. I am old enough and have been through enough to know that when there is a big change there is always opportunity. When written in Chinese the word crisis is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity. If I truly believe that opportunity will come knocking, and I feel that as well, my vibration will go out into the world and find the match. That is just how it works. Vibrating fear or vibrating excitement, it's all up to me and what I believe think and ultimately feel.

So if you find yourself tossed into rough waters remember that change is the one constant in life. But if you trust in the Universe and keep your eyes open, the people places and things that you need will be more likely to show up for you.

"But there was a special kind of gift that came with embracing the chaos, even if I cursed it most of the way. I'm convinced that, when everything is wiped blank, it's life's way of forcing you to become acquainted with and aware of who you are now and who you can become. What is the fulfillment of your soul?"
~Jennifer De Lucy