A lesson about opportunity, Germany & my Montenegro dream

A lesson about opportunity & overload

Too often instead we get weighed down by the load of our lives.  And I’m not talking about those hard and sad circumstances beyond our control.  I’m referring to the load that has been created by our choices and our own actions. Things that prevent us from taking a step forward in the direction of our dreams when the opportunity arises. Our financial commitments, the habit of choosing to buy new and shiny things rather than establishing a financial cushion.  Not reining in our desires, but constantly raising the bar in what we think we need.  Putting off the deeper questions of our heart, because it is easier to make excuses and stick with the status quo.  Holding onto unforgiveness or disappointments rather than choosing to let go.

In the long run, we shape our lives & we shape ourselves.

Eleanor Roosevelt

There’s so much to bear in life.  A lot of it is not of our choosing and not within our control.  But perhaps we can get rid of some of the stuff that we don’t need to carry. Both physical and emotional clutter.  So, we can travel lighter and live freer.  And be prepared for that moment when an opportunity presents itself.  

Germany & the current crisis

The article said that there were a few key reasons why Germany had fewer deaths from Coronavirus.  Here are the main ones that stood out to me;

1. They were quick to act early by getting testing kits ready before the first case even occurred in the country.

2. They already had a robust healthcare system and an excellent intensive care provision with a high level of capacity.

3. They established a system of visiting and testing people within the first 5 days of symptoms,so that if required they could be sent to hospital before symptoms drastically worsened.

Germany’s lesson about preparing for opprtunity

Clearly Germany has something to teach us about handling a pandemic.  But what has it taught me about preparing for opportunity?

1. Preparing and being proactive ahead of time.

Germany didn’t wait until they had the first case of Coronavirus in their country or even a neighbouring country.  They prepared early.

Sometimes the dreams we desire seem a long way off. Too far away in fact to feel that action is really needed now.  But the fact is the picture of our lives is formed by what we do each day. So it’s important to reflect on where we want to go and what we want out of life. And start making preparations now.  Not just in practical issues either – also in our attitudes.  So that we’re ready.  I dream of a simple life without the constant rush and striving of the rat race.  But I am starting to bring that into my life right now. I’m working on my tendency towards restlessness and learning what is enough for me and how to simply desire less.

2. Putting good foundations in place.

Germany already had a good intensive care provision.  They had invested in it and prioritised it in previous years, so in the crisis they had enough resources.

Likewise we can work towards creating a financial and practical cushion in our life.  Not succumbing to lifestyle inflation, which means we are always raising the bar on what we want or think we need.   Allowing time in our schedule to reflect and assess or just be still so we have some spare room in our heads.  Laying a good foundation, so we have spare capacity in our finances to take the opportunity to step closer to our dream when it presents itself.

3. Putting first things first.

Germany obviously put healthcare high on the list of priorities well before the Coronavirus hit.  They had invested in it because they recognised the value of it.

Let’s sift through our priorities and start to live according to our values now, rather than waiting until a time of crisis to give it any intentional thought. What would it look like to us? Health before career. Well-being before the endless accumulation of more.  Meaning before status.

Even before my daughter was born I had already decided that a person’s education is only part of the overall picture in their ultimate “success” as an individual in life.  So when this crisis hit and schools closed, I had already made my mind up that a peaceful and happy home is more important than academic progression.  I’m still doing home-school, but I am not going to follow a system that stresses me out.  It’s just not that important at this current time.

What I have learnt from this lesson about opportunity

I’m not quite able to pack and leave the rat race for my simple life in Montenegro yet. But one day I plan to.  But I’m not going to wait for the moment to arrive to get ready.  I’m going to prepare and be proactive now.  I’m going to set down good foundations in the management of my money and practical affairs. I’m going to put first things first and live by my values right now. I’m going to trust in my deeper convictions and follow my intuition rather than follow the majority.

Our status as mere mortals means we sadly can’t control every circumstance in our lives.  As we all know very well.  But we have more choice than we think in how we respond. 

I want to respond well.  And I’m learning a lesson from Germany at this current time.  So that when opportunity knocks on my door – it won’t turn out to be an opportunity missed.