Up From the Desert

Someone recently told me that retirement is nothing more than entering a new phase in my life. That I should look at it as a stepping stone or pivotal event. I got to thinking about that as I took my walk this morning. There I was, wandering around this deserted area, surrounded by nature on all sides. I was away from the hustle and bustle of surviving, forgetting my cares, and watching the beautiful birds and other small creatures. The breeze felt amazing. I could feel it begin to wash away my stress. And, as I looked around, I began to see the desert a little differently. I came to the realization that the desert is the perfect way to describe my former stage in life. 

Let me explain. We all have some conception of what a desert is. We can google and easily get pictures or videos. You may live in the desert like I do. If you are talking bible, you are most likely thinking of Moses and the Children of Israel, wandering through the desert 40 years. If you are thinking Disney, you can imagine the Lion King, along with the vibrant lives and interactions of the animals that exist there. Yes, we all know what deserts are, but how can I see a connection between deserts and the various stages in life? 

When I usually hear the term stage in life, I immediately begin thinking of our human life cycle; where we start as a baby and grow to become an elder. And when I want to think on an even deeper level, I start recounting the major life events that are similar for most cultures. We can expect to learn to walk and talk, start school, graduate, get a job, get married, etc. These are all examples of typical life events. 

But what people don’t often mention are the deserts in life. You see, some of us experience deserts that are not necessarily physical. Some deserts exist within our spirits and our minds. 

But whatever the case, whether it be a physical local or inner experience, when you hear the word desert, our minds tend to dwell on what doesn’t exist. The lack of trees, the lack of dwellings, the lack of people and the lack of rain. When we enter a desert, we find ourselves in a position of limited resources.

You would think that this would lead to inevitable death, but that’s not always the case. Just as different species of plants and animals adapt to survive. Our personal deserts give us the same opportunity to evolve into something greater. 

Think of it as a transformation. Because if you enter the desert as a lost soul, when you make it out, you may not have all the answers, but you will have learned what is important to you and that you are capable of doing whatever it takes. If you enter the desert wild, careless and free, most likely the lessons you will learn will develop discipline and push your character more towards compassion. 

I had every intention of relating this to my own experience, but I couldn’t figure out the right words. I wanted to say that I went into the desert one way and came out another. But every time I tried to define what I was and what I am becoming, I realized that I just don’t know.  It’s not so simple. Let me explain. 

I entered the desert because I was experiencing so much death and I no longer knew who I was. The key players in my life were all gone. Now, as I’m walking out, I’m seeing the world more clearly. I see that people are both good and bad. I see that situations are often positive and negative at the same time. I’ve even come to realize that many of the things I pray the hardest for are also the answers to my prayers. If you don’t understand that last one, here’s an example: My car was dying on me, and I was praying for another car. It was something that I couldn’t afford at the time. At the same time that I was asking for another car, I was also feeling very thankful that I had the broken one to get me back and forth to work. In both instances the very same car was both a concern and a blessing. 

My desert taught me to ease up on myself and others. It taught me to not care so much what other people think. I learned to understand that everyone is going through their own battles. But most importantly, it taught me to live and love like tomorrow isn’t a given.

Each person’s desert is a little different. They all have different triggers. Each desert has its own unique length and challenges. There are different goals and intended outcomes. But whatever your desert looks like, it’s not meant to destroy you. Let your desert and its hot, searing sun transform you into the greatest version of you that you can be. Do the hard work. Don’t be afraid to address the areas where you need growth. 

But most importantly don’t forget to Live your P.O.W.E.R.! Plan...Organize...Work Hard...Excel...and Reap the Rewards. 

You can do it!

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