In the last post there was a conversation about how to move through a challenging period. Having come out of a protracted period I want to share three things to consider that may help you move through without expending so much emotional energy: 1) examine the place where you’re being challenged; 2) change your perspective about the dilemma, and 3) appreciate an opportunity to grow.
First, take a broader look at your challenge area. Often there’s more to the problem than meets the eye. Has this problem come up before? Do you notice any similarities in your previous circumstances and what is going on now? Is this obstruction something that you should have faced a long time ago? If the problem has shown up before, there’s a reason it has reappeared.
Next, change perspectives. Is this the nudge you needed to get started on something? Do you need to slow down to pay attention to what you missed? Is this challenge warning you to see what you need to focus on? Is this your invitation to expand your perspective from negative to positive?
Finally, appreciate the opportunity to grow. Sometimes there is pain in growth. I bought a greeting card at an artist’s market that had a profound statement on it. “Everything that I let go of had claw marks.” It was a reminder that I would benefit from partnering with this change process rather than resisting it.
Consider the choice to be open and explore a different way of operating, to open your mind and open yourself up to be different. Release habitual behaviors and thought processes. As you connect with more of yourself, you’ll connect differently with others. Could it be possible that this nagging problem was driving you out of some small minded thinking that kept you isolated?
By moving beyond the self-imposed boundaries you can begin to recognize a new degree of power coming from within. Your conversations, your thought processes and your behaviors are all new. As you continue in this practice, you gain mastery over yourself and some negative, shadow behaviors. Your new awareness helps you move those old ways aside rather than get bogged down with them when they try to pop up.
To appreciate the opportunity to grow, focus on what you want to create. Let me encourage you to see yourself operating from a generative, inspired place. Get interested in creating the better, higher vision that is possible in your life, on your job, in your home, and with your family. Sure there is pain in growth, but always remember that you are growing.