How Is Life Treating YOU?

By Ettie Rutherford
Contributing Columnist

“How is life treating you?” Although this is a common question that we have all heard over the years, I doubt that much thought has ever really been given to having an appropriate response.

Not because anyone has ever wanted to tell a lie about their circumstance, but because a simple, right answer is far more complicated than everyone realizes and, also, because when asked that question, you will not be expected to provide a litany of personal experiences.

However, the question can open the door for you to take a good look at ongoing changes and how they have affected your life.

While some of you have experienced major events, such as weddings, divorces, deaths, births, changing occupations, going to university or migrating, others might have had simpler challenges, like adjusting to new jobs, moving to a new part of the country, or buying a home.

The differences then, will determine the way you see your life, whether as an exciting adventure or a stressful situation on your journey.

Considering today’s frantic pace in an extra-busy world, there might be very little time for you to analyze important life changes and to really see them as milestones on your journey; or to realize how little, or how much, ongoing experiences have affected the overall continuum of your life.

Consequently, it might be good to give serious thought to:

1. The different changes that you have experienced during your lifetime.
2. How you have responded to personal challenges.
3. What you have learned from different transitions.
4. The personal feelings from new situations that can be used as stepping stones to moving forward.
5. The likelihood of life’s changes preparing you for a life, without a support system.
6. Will your life’s journey prepare you for retirement?
7. Is your life joyful? Unhappy? Disappointing or unfulfilled?

Now, I beg you, to take a few minutes to write a brief response to my question: “How is life REALLY treating you?”

In Sisterhood,
Ettie
Award-winning Ettie Rutherford, B.Ed, Dip.Ed, M.Ed, is an educator, life coach, consultant and author of “Why Perch Like A Chick When You Can Soar Like An Eagle?”. An accomplished public speaker, Ettie is the Founder and CEO of Women Are Worthy, which provides step-by-step strategies for women to achieve their goals, with a minimum amount of stress. She can be reached at ettie@womenrworthy.com