Whatever Your Problems Are, They Will Pass

“Iron Mike,” as he was known to his friends, not so much because he was a tough guy but because he had been an iron worker, was old school, blue collar, working class, Staten Island Irish, much like my own family.

Mike had been an iron worker and serious drinker for many years. Oh, yea, he was tough too.

What I remember most about him, aside from his always outstretched hand ready to welcome a newcomer to the fellowship we were both members of, was his response whenever someone said, “This too shall pass.”

“Yea,” Mike would bellow, “the good passes, the bad passes, and then you pass.”

What’s important to remember through all of this is that, whatever is happening in your life, the good and the less than good, will pass as surely as day passes into night.

If you’re going through a difficult period right now, as many seem to be, hang tight, it will pass.

Similarly, that fantastic feeling you’re having right now will also pass. It’s the natural ebb and flow of life.

You remember life. It’s that thing that John Lennon said happens while we’re busy making other plans.

My favorite metaphor for getting through whatever challenges come your way is the Lone Cypress, pictured to your left.

This amazing tree, seen along the coastline on the Seventeen Mile Drive in Monterey, Ca., not only survives but thrives among some of the most difficult weather conditions you could imagine.

High winds, heavy rains, frequent storms and more threaten this tough little tree daily. How does it thrive?

Simple, it offers no resistance to the elements. It bends and twists to accommodate the weather conditions, all the while, making itself stronger with each passing storm.

Whatever is going on in your life right now, especially if it’s challenging, go with the flow. Ride the waves of the changes that are taking place the way a surfer rides them. Just go with the ebb and flow of the tides of your life.

And remember, in the words of Iron Mike, “This too shall pass.”