When life does its best to put my face down in the mud of all the things that I am responsible for or slaps me with duties, I just take a step back. I look life square in its ugly face and say, “Hey that is no big deal.”

I make a plan, set a goal and then do all the things to get me to that end prize. All the boulders and sometimes mountains that life throws in my way are no big deal. I know that I can’t take change situations that I don’t take responsibility for, so I own the situation. It took me a while to realize that my struggles are my path in life. I am not what I did, I am not what I have endured. My battles are not on the path they are the path I must follow.

Also, I know that I can’t take responsibility for things that are out of my control. If the thing, situation, or attitude is not mine, I don’t try to claim it. I turn my back on it and walk away.

Other times I must be brave. Life is inherently risky, however, to do nothing is risky too. It is up to me to make something happen, good or bad, large step or small. I must find the right direction and go that way. Even if the road is dark and full of monsters, it is my road. I can’t sit here and rot. I must push for progress, not perfection. Perfection is the enemy.

Yet, all of it is no big deal. It is just life. It is what it is.

The big deal is the love in my life. The love that follows me on this journey. Nothing else is as big as that.

Believe in Love.

~Lori O’Gara