why do bad things happen

Does Everything Happen for a Reason?

April 26, 2021 by Lee H. Baucom, Ph.D. Leave a Comment

In recent days, I have been with people in the middle of horrific losses. Inevitably, someone steps up and in an attempt to comfort, says, “Everything happens for a reason.”

That comment is rarely comforting in the painful moments.

But deeper than that, is it even true?

Many people default to this as a reaction to something that happens and is outside of our capacity to understand.

Sometimes, we want to think that there is something behind it — not just some random event. But what does that phrase mean? Does it mean that some force is trying to teach some lesson?

For many people, the answer is yes.

But does that make it so?

Does everything happen for a reason? Given all that is going on these days, this question seems particularly important.

Let’s chat. . .

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Holding On (When Life Gets You Down)

September 30, 2019 by Lee H. Baucom, Ph.D. Leave a Comment

Life is tough.

Not always. But along the way. And even after you get past one struggle, that doesn’t mean there isn’t another one up ahead. That’s just the nature of life.

It doesn’t mean you are doing anything wrong or that the world, God, or the Universe is out to teach you a lesson. It’s just the nature of life.

You may notice 2 crowds. First is the “Grind Culture” that just says to suck it up, keep on grinding, and MAKE it work. They have a point that you have to get through some tough times. But sometimes, it is wise to step back and ask if the fight is worth it.

Then there is the “Sign Culture.” That group tells you that any struggle is an indication you are on the wrong path, that something is wrong with you, and that life “should” be easy… if you are doing it right. They have a point that sometimes, a struggle is pointing to you moving the wrong way… swimming upstream. But the fact is, life means struggles… at times.

So what do you do to hold up when life gets you down?

We discuss it… and 5 things to do… on this episode of the Thriveology Podcast. Listen below.

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What Thrivers Do: They Grow

September 7, 2015 by Lee H. Baucom, Ph.D. Leave a Comment

Thrivers grow, throughout life, learning from difficulties. Are you growing? Maybe you feel “all grown up.

But that’s not what I am asking. Are you “done,” or are you in a process of becoming?

People who thrive continue growing. It is not about always being happy, but forever growing and developing.

When the goal is “happiness,” we can get stuck. But when you know the task is to continue to grow, there is always room for that.

Thrivers nurture their curiosity. That helps them continue to expand their world. It opens before them.

Thrivers know that, while crises don’t happen in order to teach a lesson, one can still learn the lessons from the struggle. Growth is all about being open to the lessons.

How’s your Growth Quotient?

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