Here is a profound question to ask when one is challenged or overwhelmed by circumstances. What am I going to do with the rest of my life despite what has happened to me now or in the past?

The Story Behind the Question

I borrowed this question from a friend who told me a story about her friend, who is a therapist. The story goes something like this. The therapist had a client who spent her first session speaking about the trials and tribulations of her childhood. She talked for more than three hours. After she had finished, the therapist responded this way. First, she validated the client’s story by telling her that she (the client) had had a terrible childhood and that indeed she had suffered much. Then, she paused for a few seconds and added: “Now, what are you going to do with the rest of your life?”

The Vagaries of Life

Life is not fair most of the time, in fact probably all the time. Some people seem to have all the luck and lead a charmed life. Others suffer every day with more than their fair share of bad experiences and the mishaps of life.  Many friends over the years have related tales of a mother who did not love them or a father who was an alcoholic or a brother or sister who abused them verbally or physically.

At these times, I would often think to myself that my two brothers and I were fortunate indeed, even though we grew up poor in Philadelphia and our mother died at an early age. My brothers and I loved our father and mother, and I do not believe we suffered unduly during our childhood. Whatever happened in our early lives, I do not think that it had the negative consequences that appear to be so prevalent in today’s America.

Life happens to all of us and many of us experience setbacks and challenges that we believe happen only to us.  However, we can choose how we respond to these adverse circumstances.  So, it is at these times that we should ask ourselves, “What am I going to do with the rest of my life?” 

A Call to Action