Big Things

“Do not pray for an easy life. Pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” — Epictetus

The Obstacle

Big things happen.

We may think we’re prepared.
That we have a plan.
Imagine what we might be like when the moment arrives.

We have judged others for not rising.
For not seeing the obvious.
For being stubborn.

And then the big thing happens – to us...

We might lose someone we love, or be separated.
Fall ill.
Become entangled in serious conflict with a friend or family member.
Lose a job unexpectedly.
Face a moral or financial crisis.

When it happens, it can be difficult to calibrate.
To respond appropriately.
To be the person who stays cool and collected.
To be the one who makes all the right moves.

We will judge ourselves and others.
Be consumed by fear, anxiety, frustration, and anger.
Deflect and blame others or the circumstances.

Worst of all, we will lie to ourselves.
Create a desperate universe crafted in illusions and fear.
We must separate what we think and feel from what is actually TRUE.

We can’t practice for big things very often.
Big things don’t happen all that often.

We can train often though.
There are many small tests along the way.
Moments meant to prepare us for when the big things arrive.

The Gift and Opportunity

Big things are, by nature… BIG.
They bring massive change in a small amount of time.

Surprisingly, big things and little things can take similar amounts of effort and attention.
The difference in output and outcomes is unmistakable.

Big things offer us an opportunity to pivot or change course entirely.
Begin something new.
Finish something we started and have put off.

The arrival of big things gives us the attention required to change something that needs changing.

It may be saying goodbye.
Saying hello and establishing a new relationship.
Sorting out differences and turning conflict into understanding.
Figuring out which resources we need now to move forward.

It could be a shift in careers.
An opportunity to do something you actually want to do.
A chance to identify the barrier standing in the way of what would be fulfilling.

You might need new skills.
More education.
A different network.

Regardless, the big thing provides opportunity, if we can look past the fear and the obstacles.

We can either be crushed under the big thing.
Or see it as a big gift or opportunity.

The Practice of Self-Mastery

• Train for the big things in the small moments, how you respond daily is how you respond eventually.

• Slow down when pressure rises, calibration comes before action.

• Separate fear from fact, fear - What is Real vs What is True

• Choose direction over comfort, big moments demand intentional movement, not avoidance.

CHEAT CODE: NOTICE → STEP WAY BACK → SEPARATE FEAR FROM FACT → CHOOSE THE NEXT RIGHT MOVE