When I was in my 20s, I was so eager to find out what the future had in store for me. I’d go for annual astrology readings to guide me in my decisions (well, I still do!). I’d make pledges for my big wishes as a form of sacrifice.
I really wanted to know if I would make it well enough in my career, relationships, and in the quality of my life. Oh, those years were fraught with anxiety and agitation!
Now, in hindsight, I can say to my younger self, “You know what? Despite your worries, life will be just fine. Everything will work out.”
In the unfolding of events in my life, I realized that that golden slipper would one day find its perfect foot!
To be overwhelmed about the uncertainties and unpredictabilities of life is, I guess, a universal experience. I still get worried from time to time, but now, I know how to acknowledge it. I don’t think that I’m alone in having this concern. From this acknowledgement, I shift my perspective and it gives me a whole lot of ease.
Let me share with you some tips that have helped me.
👠I focus on realistic optimism and I identify the silver linings in a not-so-good situation.
I’ve always been an optimistic person in life and this was shaped by my experiences. Now that I’m older, I still practice optimism, but I try my best to stay grounded in reality even if it’s unpleasant.
While acknowledging my challenges, I move my focus to the potential for positive outcomes because I know that I have the skills to find solutions and I can improve things.
When things don’t go as planned, I don’t get discouraged anymore. Instead, I see it as a chance to learn, grow, and adjust my approach. Sometimes, I find that it’s helpful to zoom out and look at the situation from a broader perspective. How might this experience help me in the long run?
If God wants it to happen in my life, now matter how long it takes, it will happen to me. If I get rejected, I just see it as an opportunity to direct my focus on something else.
There’s always a silver lining to all unpleasant situations and one day, they will just reveal their purpose. True enough, that golden slipper would one day find its perfect foot!
👠There’s a perfect timing for everything and I believe in it.
One of my favorite stories is How God Created the World. He dedicated time for every little thing. My motivation stems from this belief that there’s a perfect timing for everything.
I keep on going even when faced with setbacks because I know the right opportunity might be just around the corner, if only I will persevere and give time for it. It somehow provides comfort and it makes me strongly feel there’s a grand plan at work and events are unfolding as they should, even if I don’t understand it at the moment.
I embarked on my master’s education in 2006, but I quit in my 2nd year because of a shift in priorities. I felt sad with that decision but I eventually moved on. I worked abroad and lo and behold, 8 years later, timing aligned for me. I managed to complete my master’s degree in 2015.
True enough, in this sense, that golden slipper one day found its perfect foot!
👠I open myself to serendipity.
I first encountered this word from the movie, Serendipity and from then on, I welcomed the idea of stumbling upon wonderful things, those that I wasn’t even looking for. I would ask God, “please surprise me!” because I know that there’s more to the world than what I consciously plan and that unexpected good things can happen. It’s only on God I can rely on for this.
In those times that I was open to new experiences and curious about the world around me, those were the times I was able to encounter serendipitous moments. I’ve proven this in all of my travels. I would get a good accommodation deal or without even booking for it, I’d get a window seat in the plane.
In my heart, I truly believe that there’s a certain element of chance involved in success and happiness, and that sometimes, the best things in life are the ones I never will plan.
But of course, it’s still important that I be proactive and work towards what I want in life. After all, that golden slipper would one day find its perfect foot if I do!
👠I stay faithful to my dreams, but I try not to attach myself to an outcome.
My dreams are my internal engine. They really help me stay committed to my goals despite problems. They push me to think outside the box and find new ways to approach challenges. I was able to step outside my comfort zone, learn new skills, and push my boundaries because of my dreams.
No matter what happens, I’m determined to stay faithful to my dreams because I’ve gotten to know the good and bad versions of myself.
I’m only in my 40s and there are so many things that I still want to accomplish and my dreams somehow give a meaning to my existence.
I dream but I also try not to become fixated on the “what ifs” and fear the possibility of not achieving my desired result. It’s so heavy to carry an emotional burden so I just want to really enjoy my journey.
I don’t want to be so rigidly attached to a specific outcome, because who knows? I may miss out on even better possibilities!
I am assured that if I stay faithful to my dreams and not be too fixated on results that much, eventually, that golden slipper would one day find its perfect foot!
👠I’m always thankful for everything, literally, every little thing.
It has been my practice to keep a mental note of the things I’m thankful for. I do this every morning when I drink my coffee or look out at our balcony. There are so many things to be thankful for, only, if we will pay attention enough.
Gratitude changes my focus from what I lack to what I have and sometimes I don’t even notice what I don’t have because I’m more into appreciation.
It makes me have a more optimistic outlook on life because when I focus on the good, I find myself in situations when I’m able to experience more in life.
One day, things will work out fine. If we partner this with being thankful, proactive, and working hard, that golden slipper would one day find its perfect foot.
On a Final Note
It’s completely normal to feel anxious about the future, because, hey, it’s a big unknown!
Don’t beat yourself up for having these feelings. They’re a natural response to uncertainty. Say to yourself, “I’m feeling anxious about the future and that’s understandable.”
Look back at the times in your past when you faced challenges and you were able to overcome them. See? Things did come around, didn’t they? Everything actually works out in the end.
If there’s any consolation that I can give you is that, truly, eventually, that golden slipper would one day find its perfect foot. Trust me, when that happens, it would be the most wonderful feeling ever!
(We write our content in the hope of making you, our readers, feel a little more inspired in a time when you’re probably feeling low. We hope you feel a little lighter after visiting our site. Then, we know we’ve served our purpose.⭐)
