Closed doors
Dear Aspen reader,
As a military spouse I have become accustomed to travel, change and moving every 2-3 years from what we’ve known as “home” to a new destination. To some of you, I’m sure, it sounds crazy and completely undoable. But do you want to know the secret of what I’ve discovered in my short four years as an army wife? It’s this.
When one door of happiness closes, another always opens. But often times we don’t realize that. We remain so focused on the closed door that we neglect to realize what lies ahead.
And that is a complete tragedy. I’ve enjoyed every place in which we’ve lived. And even happiness can bring closed doors. Friendships are built, favorite coffee shops are chosen and new adventures are concocted - all bringing joy, contentment and happiness. But as a military family, the official orders arrive and it’s time. It’s time to leave what you’ve known and the people you’ve met. Every home we’ve lived in has been cozy, the towns were full of newness to explore but there always comes a time when these doors of happiness close and the time at a duty station comes to an end.
Now, if I were to spend my life looking back at what was, spending energy holding onto a particular location…. how exhausted I would become! I would ultimately miss out on the joy of what is or could be in a new place. Each season of life or every location of “home” has beauty and wonder within. But it’s all about directing your focus and choosing to look for another door of happiness. (But yes, there are usually tears too)
Looking for a few steps for maintaining your focus? It’s simple.
Don’t dwell on past experiences (but use what they’ve provided to propel you forward)
Don’t look too far ahead (you might find yourself pushing and striving or become anxious in the “not knowing”)
Keep your eyes focused on what’s in front of you and the goodness that each day holds (maybe it’s a person, a job, a living situation or the anticipation of what’s to come)
If you strive today to become more aware of the situations surrounding, you’ll find that there are many doors of happiness open for your enjoyment. Take note of those doors and keep walking through them! As you continue to move forward you’re sure to find a handful of new adventures just as Alice in Wonderland did. So, get moving!
In health,
