The Secret Ingredient

When I was just out of the hospital, recovering from my craniotomies and complications from my tumor, I found myself sometimes feeling lost and alone. That is hard for me to admit, because I also felt incredibly grateful for my life, and for the fact that I was still ALIVE to be a wife, mother, daughter and friend. But when I looked around, some days I still struggled. My mother was taking care of my children and doing all the cooking and cleaning. My neighbors were helping with yard work, my friends were doing all the carpooling and taking kids to sports practices, and my husband was working to provide for our family. So, what was left for me?

At that time, I discovered that I needed to have a Purpose to have meaning in my life. The minute I could “sort of” take care of my family, I realized it was time for my mother to go back to her home, so I had Reasons to get up and a Purpose for living each day!

Reality was much harsher than I had planned. I was sad and tearful when my mother left, but it wasn’t until she was gone that I realized how much she had really been doing for my family. I often found myself in tears as I attempted to “be the Mom” again, all on my own. Between making meals, caring for kids and trying to care for myself, I was worn out and physically exhausted long before bed time each night. My body would simply Stop, and so, I had no choice but to Stop, too.

When I think back to these times, it occurs to me now that I was dealing with feelings of depression, as well as anxiety and fear for what my “new” life would be like. Now people ask me how I got through it every day, amidst the medications, appointments, surgeries, etc.

The answer is simple:

The secret is: There is no secret ingredient to make life easier. But by doing the “little things” each day, we can find the daily satisfaction we need to keep going. Like this beautiful clip from Kung Fu Panda, the only secret ingredient is believing in yourself. Sometimes life is hard, but the only way we are going to get through it, is by simply doing what we should one day at a time.

For me, knowing that I am a Child of God gives meaning to my life, but doing the “little things” are still up to me. Though it is no secret, this information provides me with direction and purpose. He doesn’t make my trials go away, but as I remember that He cares and He is watching, I find I can keep going, even when the going gets tough.

There is no secret ingredient in life, but believing in yourself and knowing that You are a Child of God can give you purpose and help get you through even the toughest days.

How have you coped when times were tough? How did you figure out the "Secret Ingredient" in life? Please share with us.