Bittersweet Moments (article) by Dr. Ronald D. Bissell on AuthorsDen

Bittersweet moments are miracles in disguise. “The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone.” George Eliot (1819 - 1880) To many life is just a series of events that are unconnected or have little importance. They go about their days in a blind stupor and become functionaries oblivious to the wonder that their life gives to them. They look when it is too late to find a life that has been wasted on trivial matters and missed many opportunities to become whole. “Cherish all your happy moments: they make a fine cushion for old age.” Christopher Morley (1890 - 1957) It is when you look back over your life that you uncover those missed opportunities and within sadness you uncover the person you could have been. You see moments when you could have done more to foster your growth and moments when you just shot ahead with unlimited potential. Then there are those moments that are bittersweet and through them you have the potential to learn some of your greatest lessons. “Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such.” Henry Miller (1891 - 1980) It is important to look at those bittersweet moments and reflect upon their meaning in your life. At times they take on the look of disappointment while at other times they can be seen as life changing events. They can alter your perception of life because they contain the seeds of your future growth. “Seize the moment of excited curiosity on any subject to solve your doubts; for if you let it pass, the desire may never return, and you may remain in ignorance”. William Wirt I recently had one of those bittersweet moments. At first I felt like I was alone facing difficulties which I could not imagine. It was then that the bitterness turned into a sweet moment of joy for I recognized that within that bittersweet moment was all I needed to move forward in the direction of my dreams. I looked, observed, and dreamed all within an instant and I became more aware and alert to the potential that my life contained. “We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery.” H. G. Wells (1866 - 1946) My experience has shown me that each bittersweet moment of my life has been a miracle in disguise. Each time I recognized these moments I saw far beyond my physical sight. I saw my potential to grow, my desire to become awakened, and the truth of who I could be. All of these were before my eyes and in an instant I had the potential to move toward each of those possibilities. Man is free at the moment he wishes to be. Voltaire (1694 - 1778) It is during those bittersweet moments that we have the choice to grow or to whither. We stand on the pinnacle of our thought and can move in one direction or another. We can choose the freedom of expansion or can shrink and fade from the challenge. The decision is made clear and that moment can lead to the greatest leap of growth in our lives. “The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice.” George Eliot (1819 - 1880) Don’t allow bittersweet moments to shadow your world with darkness. Don’t permit your life to be lessened by any moment of despair. Focus upon the opportunities such bittersweet moments bring to your life and choose the direction of your dreams. Each time you choose the direction of growth you will transmute the bitterness into moments of bliss. When you follow your bliss... doors will open where you would not have thought there would be doors; and where there wouldn't be a door for anyone else. Joseph Campbell I took this recent bittersweet moment and allowed it to transmute my thinking into new possibilities. I carry a burden that can either weight me down or provide the courage and the drive to continue my growth. I choose to take this opportunity to use my life as a teaching field where I can give so much from what others could perceive as loss. My life changed before my eyes as I looked upon my future. My world expanded and I became moved by the new story I would create. “I haven't a clue as to how my story will end. But that's all right. When you set out on a journey and night covers the road, you don't conclude that the road has vanished. And how else could we discover the stars?” Unknown Allow your bittersweet moments to create the world of your dreams. Do not succumb to the easy road of discouragement and loss but look upon the road before you as a mystery ride into the future of your dreams. Become a part of that vision and enact the truth of who you are. Become that vision, follow your bliss, and uncover your soul. “Our truest life is when we are in our dreams awake.” Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1862)
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