Life goes on in fairly predictable patterns but occasionally encounters a bump. The bump can be viewed as something to step over or walk around. It can be viewed as a great place to plant tomatoes or as a barrier. It can be ignored or obsessed over or even hauled away.

Bumps can appear in the life of an individual or a family or a business - even a country. We all know what country has had the biggest bump of all as we stand in awe of the Japanese people who have shown the world what dignity and strength really look like.

Businesses in this economic downturn are navigating the new economic reality that changed the business climate for both large and small companies. The "bump" was all too visible, but not always insurmountable. Because everyone was dealing with the same economy, understanding each other was almost automatic and there were even times when competition came to be less important than compassion. That is not a small thing.

Family units also go through difficult times, be those emotional, physical, or financial, and come to realize how important family support can be. Families (from blood relatives to a group of friends who love us) are the foundation on which we solve problems, get past bumps and build satisfying lives.

Whether taken in stride or thought to be catastrophic,
a bump in the road gives us the opportunity
to be reflective, introspective, maybe even philosophic.

Individuals sometimes feel alone when faced with bumps in the road. Those who attempt to go through difficult times alone miss the best life has to offer - receiving love and caring from those who choose - choose! - to give it. Those who give their time and energy to others in need are found everywhere in the form of family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and charitable volunteers. Anyone feeling alone can ask for help, accept it when it is offered, give it when asked or even seek out others in need.

Sooner or later, most of us realize what is really important in life and everyone who counts their blessings makes life easier on themselves. Perspective is something that can be chosen, bump or no bump.

Jean Loxley-Barnard has been a writer all her life and studied both sociology and psychology at George Washington University where she earned a B.A. Her company, The Shopper, Inc., encompasses all the Loxley-Barnard family publications - The Shopper Magazines and Doctor to Doctor Magazine. She has been in the advertising, consulting and publishing business for 39 years.