Whatever Life Throws at You

First, I began seriously doubting a faith I'd held for most of my life — and if you've ever had a strong faith, you'll know what's at stake when you consider leaving it behind.

Then, within a year, I asked my wife for a separation and, eventually, a divorce.

Shortly afterwards, my daughter told me she was pregnant to someone she'd met while working on a cruise ship — someone she hasn't seen in person since.

Around the same time, I met someone I really connected with. Before we'd even started going out — just four weeks after meeting — she told me she'd been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Throughout all of this, over four or five years, my solo consulting business had to keep going. I took on the family dog full-time. I was getting to know my new partner's family (which is large). Keeping in touch with my other two children. Trying to navigate a divorce with as much calm, dignity and respect as I could manage. And doing whatever I could to support my daughter as a solo mum, while trying to be the best grandad I could be.

One could say my early to late fifties were rather challenging.

But here's the thing — I survived. Well, I think.

Others had far worse to deal with, of course — including my brother-in-law, who died from MND, and the toll that took on his family. I'm not trying to diminish that.

But I do want to encourage you.

No matter what life throws at you, you can handle it. Maybe not easily, and maybe not without real loss — of belief, people, health, money, or something else you weren't expecting. There may be lasting effects.

But handle it? You can.

Believe it.

Because what happens is what happens — but how you deal with it... well, you know the rest.