We've all experienced a crisis at one point or another in our life. Everything seems to be running along smoothly and then out of nowhere a wrecking ball destroys it all. Our close friend suddenly turns on us, the company we work for begins downsizing, our health starts deteriorating. Why do we not see these things coming?
We are caught up in how well things are going. Life is smooth and we are relishing that smoothness. The challenges we faced that sparked our recent growth spurt are on the back burner of our mind - we are lazy, not content, and there is a difference.
Contentedness is a state where we treasure the moments we have and live in them. We are not looking back at the way things used to be or looking so far into the future that we don't do the necessary work in the present. When we are content, we take care of our business now and are in tune with the shifting sands.
When we are blindsided by life we are not taking the time to ask the question, what might happen next, or how can I take advantage of what might happen next. Keeping one eye on the future ensures that we ride the waves instead of crashing with the tide.
I remember a story about my grandfather who worked as a tractor trailer driver. He was self-employed and usually had plenty of work to keep food on the table for his family. There are times in the delivery business when the volume of work is not available, and the steady income becomes unregular. My grandpa realized this after driving for a few years and decided to build a side hustle that could even out the spikes and maybe become a full time income one day.
Grandpa was an astute enough man to see that the times are always changing. Granted, he did not see the drone delivery services coming because he did not live long enough to even see computers.
My grandfather was killed in a motorcycle accident a little over 3 years after he started his side hustle. Thankfully, he was a hard working man and had built it to a point that supported my Nanna, and her 3 children. She was never in want, and in fact, she never had to go find a job because the income was so good.
None of us know what the future holds. My grandpa's case is an extreme one, and not as poignant now since life insurance has become more affordable. Yet, we know that we ought not rest on our laurels. Life can change in the blink of an eye, and what we took for granted could all be gone before we know it. Keep working, and keep one eye on the future - two eyes when you can spare them.
Thank you for visiting.