Archive for Overcoming Challenges
“See the light in others, and treat them as if that is all you see.” – Dr. Wayne Dyer
How do we hang on to our genuine sense of caring and compassion toward someone, when we perceive some of their deeds and statements as being quite unkind? We all face this scenario with people in our lives. And I am not talking about distant friends or acquaintances, who will fade out of our life if the unkindness and differences become too pronounced. I am referring to people who are fixtures in our lives and who we basically love and care about.
Not everyone sees things our way — it would not be a good thing if we were all clones of each other. Life is exciting and dynamic because of all the varied personalities in our lives.
However, sometimes we need someone to be a little more tolerant and supportive of us. For instance, in my own life, as an animal lover and occasional rescuer, I am trying to understand someone who is quite the opposite of that. Now it’s one thing to keep discordant thoughts (ones that you know might be offensive to a person you are conversing with) to yourself. But it’s another to come out with them in a context in which there is no ambiguity about them being of the tactless nature.
So I am trying to rationalize some of these comments over time (they are only occasional, not constant) and certainly focus on the brighter spots of this individual’s personality. But when these uncalled-for comments just spout forward, it is disturbing to me. Yet I believe it is essential to be able to brush my own feelings of discord aside, as it is healthier emotionally. But it’s not always easy to do.
As a Reiki practitioner, my initial reaction is to send love and light to this person, envisioning that it is going straight to their heart center.
However, you don’t have to be a Reiki practitioner to work with this imagery. You can surround this person with the light of compassion, however you may be able to imagine it. Visualize that a radiant cord of compassion flows from your own heart to the heart of the other person. This can be powerful healing imagery. It sure beats the opposite of becoming antagonistic or down on a particular person.
As I began to focus on sending positive energy to this person, I genuinely felt like I want to take the next step. My goal is to try to awaken the innate sense of compassion, caring and understanding that I believe lies within the heart of that individual. I truly feel we are all born with the ability to be compassionate. But it depends on many other factors — upbringing, family values, social interaction and more as to how much that sense develops over time.
Another suggestion for diffusing any immediate discord while an incident is still fresh and painful, is to make a mental list of the most obvious positive qualities of this person. Maybe he made a tactless statement, but is diligent and has a great work ethic and he is always punctual for events. He just needs to perhaps do some further inner work, or become a little more awakened to the compassionate side of life.
Do you have anyone who is close to you that presents a challenge in this way? How do you deal that individual? Are you able to let go of discordant feelings? Are there any special techniques you use to help you remain peaceful and tolerant? Please post a comment here and let me know…
Affirmations:
- I strive to remain calm and neutral in the presence of someone whose personality can be challenging to me.
- I imagine that an ethereal, healing cord of compassionate light can link from my heart to the heart of another.
- I do the inner work to become my most caring, understanding self.
Adaptability – Essential Skill for a Joyful Life
Posted by: | CommentsYou have most likely heard that metaphor of life being like a roller coaster — a veritable wave of ups and downs — mostly occurring in an unpredictable order. Can you relate to that — do you sometimes view your life as a dramatic series of twists and turns, highs and lows?
Unless you are a true psychic — and a completely accurate one — you can’t easily see what’s beyond the next curve of the road of life. However, you can embrace an attitude of stability, that can help keep you centered, grounded and in the peaceful flow of life, to more easily navigate your own personal “reality road.”
The concept of adaptability is so essential in dealing with life effectively and sustaining you in a more joyful place. Being adaptable means truly being flexible. Think of that strong, huge tree that bends in the high winds, but doesn’t break. If you can sway with the “gusts” of life, and keep your roots firmly planted in the ground, then you can weather any storm.
Those who face circumstances with an outlook of high-level resistance sometimes have the most trying of times. When you are filled with resistance in a situation that you have minimal control over, it can negatively impact both your emotional and physical health, especially if these feelings continue for an extended period of time.
To some, adaptability comes naturally. To others, inner work is needed to cultivate this positive skill. Through my own life experience I have learned some wise lessons about meeting challenges in an open-minded way and persevering by learning to tap in to my inner guidance. It took me a long while and some turbulent obstacles that stretched me to my emotional limit to finally awaken me to the knowing that adaptability was crucial to my mental and physical health.
You are stronger than you know. Though challenges can seem insurmountable and nobody willfully chooses them, they are always the harbinger of clear life lessons. But it’s no fun living through extreme discord. When you really learn and understand your inner strength, your overall life perspective is transformed. And when you’ve survived the tough times, smaller bumps in the road will not seem to daunting and be much easier to navigate.
The next year is foretold by many to be filled with potential upheaval in terms of shifting of consciousness and spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Ultimately, this should prove beneficial and healing for our planet, but meanwhile the ride along the way may be a little uneven and challenging at times. So if this proves to be your own experience, just hold on, tap in to your inner strength and know that the road will eventually become easier and more peaceful to travel…
Affirmations:
- Being flexible and peaceful with my world and its challenges helps see me through trying times.
- I am adaptable and open-minded — I flow peacefully with the ever-changing stream of life.
- I embrace the adventure of life and strive to find pleasure and appreciation in each moment.
Positive Attitude – Thoughts to Raise Your Vibration
Posted by: | CommentsChallenges are all part of the roller coaster of life — we all experience periods of gloom, discord and stress. But how do we bring ourselves up during these trying times? How do we reconnect to our joyful spirit? For after all, isn’t our spirit what breathes life into us, animates us and connects us to our soul and Higher Consciousness? And shouldn’t our soul be innately joyful, light, magical and powerful?
I recently listened to Sonia Choquette, one of the Hay House inspirational author/teachers, discuss a technique to help uplift. And it so resonated as it is something that I already do. I believe the most significant step to take when you are experiencing a negative state of mind, uncertainty or emotional upheaval is to think about those things you love. Focus your clear attention on what brings light into your world.
“It’s too simple” you may think to yourself. But sometimes it is the simplest ideas that work.
This technique may certainly not solve all the problems and hurdles you are experiencing, but it can return your mindset to a state of optimism and appreciation — even for a little while. Everyone can use an “optimism break!”
Thoughts are very powerful. So bring to mind the joy of thinking about what you love. Make an actual list or just a mental list. This can instantaneously raise your vibration! Think of that classic tune “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music. Certainly thinking about favorite things or what one loves is sure to bring a smile to your heart and help counteract fear or discord.
For me personally, my thought list would include the following:
- Having breakfast with my husband — sharing that morning cup of coffee
- Family outings with my grown children
- Being surrounded by the unconditional love of my pets — specifically when all of them are snoozing contentedly around me with one cat snuggled and purring on my chest…
- Watching the colorful birds that congregate at my backyard feeder
- Having lunch on my patio in the warm sunlight
- Going out to lunch with a close friend
- Going to the movies and catching something new to the screen
Make your own list, and you can include thoughts of things too, as well as people — ANYTHING that makes your heart sing. So reach for clear thoughts of what you love and those you love — particularly when you need an emotional and energetic attitude boost!
Affirmations:
- As I focus on what I love, my heart grows light and joyful!
- I take a few moments every day to feel genuine appreciation for the love of those who surround me.
- My whole outlook is uplifted when I choose to give my attention to joyful and positive thoughts.
Life Balance – Positive Affirmations and Healthy Thought Patterns
Posted by: | CommentsI was speaking with my Aunt just this morning, trying to find out how she is recovering after numerous health challenges and time spent in the hospital. True to her usual character, she made the statement “I’m never getting better. It’s just not happening.”
My Aunt has never been the most positive kind of individual, which frustrates me, as I feel she is missing out on a having a more joyful life experience. But she IS my Aunt, and of course I do love her. And I do realize and respect her choices, even if I don’t agree with them or see them as being particularly beneficial.
Fortunately, I do believe that her stubbornness, persistence and sheer will to have improved health will serve to get her better, despite her gloomy mindset. However, her energetic and emotional outlook can certainly use some healthy tweaking!
Without giving my Aunt a full lecture on positivity, I just gently suggested that instead of saying “I’ll never get better” to start saying “I’m definitely going to get better” and that in general being positive will be much more beneficial for her. “You know,” she said, “Everyone keeps telling me that.” Sometimes moving away from a deeply ingrained negative-thinking pattern is extremely difficult or next to impossible.
Our thought patterns are cultivated during early childhood. Our initial ways of viewing ourselves and the world that surrounds us are mostly determined by our immediate sphere of influence — parents, extended family members, our teachers and even religious leaders. If those surrounding us thrive on the negative, then how are we going to grow up? What will our beliefs be?
Of course, that question is rhetorical.
Our personal epiphany comes when we realize that YES, we can change and shift forward into a better-feeling and generally more joyful everyday reality.
Hopefully, most of us come to an understanding about how profoundly powerful our thoughts and statements can be, and that choosing ones like “I am definitely going to get better” is going to have a major positive impact on our well being.
I believe that the Universe gives huge focus to all of our statements that begin with “I am…” and responds rather quickly to them. So if we say “I am tired, I am sick, etc” the Universe will respond to that vibration of imbalance and continue to provide us with more imbalance, which of course, is the opposite of what we truly desire. So we have to use great clarity when choosing what follows those words “I am…”
Thoughts such as “I am happy, harmonious and healthy” or “I am relaxed and calm, and feel good about where I am along my life path” are excellent positive affirmations to use on a regular basis. So if you can relate a little too well with the negative “I am” thoughts, then maybe it’s time to have your own mini awakening. You, too, have the ability to make a conscious shift toward bringing more of these feel-good, high-vibration thoughts and statements into your field of thinking and your conversations. And it may have quite a remarkable impact on your everyday life and overall happiness!
Affirmations:
- I am joyful, radiant and in perfect alignment with the Universal stream of harmony and well being.
- I am open and receptive to all the light-filled, positive aspects that surround me each day.
- I do the inner work to shift toward good-feeling thought patterns and statements that support both my physical and emotional health.
A Day Without Electricity – Reflecting on Simple Joys
Posted by: | CommentsA hurricane with drenching rains and heavy winds. A complete power outage including cable outage — no lights, phones, TV or computer. Scented candles softly illuminating each room of the house. My husband and I sat facing each other — me, making the most of the situation and our quiet companionship — him, antsy and distracted wondering what ARE we going to DO with no computer or television or ball game to entertain us.
We sat, contemplating our situation, reflecting on the extreme and taken-for-granted role that electricity plays in our lives. My husband suggested playing Scrabble, but we weren’t sure where the game board was — and then if we even had the correct number of tiles that accompany the game. “How about cards?” I asked. So we decided to play Gin Rummy, something we have not played in many years since the children were young — and were straining our brains to remember the exact rules of the game (and we couldn’t look them up on the internet either.) I was feeling good about our decision to pass the time with this simple delight of card-playing, since it was so far removed from our everyday life. So my husband found a deck of cards and…. the lights suddenly flickered on!
And of course, what happened — my husband jumped for the TV remote, eagerly waiting for our Cable box to boot up, and I quietly retreated to the office to reboot my computer. So much for simple pleasures…
But I must admit that as electricity brought our house to life and the lights came on, I DID feel a remarkable sense of relief to be back in the year 2011…
That one day without power were quite thought-provoking for me and I am still reflecting on the experience. There was a profound lesson I took away from this brief removal from the land of electricity. And that is a real sense of appreciation for our modern lives. Having no working computer, cable connection and no internet – and not being able to power up my smartphone were tough, but the reality of having to deal with the total darkness, no working refrigerator and the possibility of soon running out of hot water were sobering thoughts.
So my sense of gratitude for those things which we routinely accept as a part of our sophisticated world has been strengthened. We are all so tuned in and plugged in to all the latest technology, that sometimes we forget about the simple joys in life, such as spending one on one time in person with those whom we love. So I definitely encourage you to acknowledge and appreciate the modern aspects of your life on a regular basis — you don’t need to wait for a hurricane or other natural disaster to drive home this message.
Affirmations:
- I gratefully acknowledge all the modern conveniences that fill my life.
- I make special time to spend with those close to me and our relationships are strengthened.
- Challenges and obstacles serve a purpose — to help me learn and grow!
Positive Thinking – Releasing Worry and Fear-Based Thoughts
Posted by: | CommentsWorry is part of the human emotional scale — something we all do, some of us constantly and in a panicked way and others to a much lesser degree. Where do you fall on the spectrum of obsessing about concerns and things that can go wrong versus being a calm and peaceful being?
In Reiki, one learns the Five Precepts — principles by which to live our lives in a spiritual, balanced and healing manner. One of those is (you guessed it) “Do not worry” or “For today, let go of worry.” You certainly do not have to be Reiki-trained to focus on this guiding principle. The precepts encourage us to adopt this kind of balanced mindset “for today only” reminding us that living in the now moment is the place where we can begin to let go of our worrying.
I came from a traditional background of worriers — my core family lived with an unhealthy focus on anxiety, mired in a negative mindset. So that is what I learned from an early age. My grandmother was highly superstitious and I carried around many of her ingrained beliefs for a long time. Now I know that most superstitions are based on fear and limiting beliefs.
However, it was many years of me heading in the opposite direction of a black cat that was crossing the street, until I finally was able to overcome many of Grandma’s fear-based teachings. (Ironically, I now HAVE a black cat who has brought so much feline love into my life.)
Some “worrying” is probably helpful to keep us on our toes about tasks that need to get done, for instance, worrying about leaving the house in a state of safety (did I lock the doors, leave on lights, etc.)
Worrying about one’s health is generally not a productive attitude, but being concerned and going for a physical or to check out something that might need traditional medical attention may be helpful in that it motivates one to actions that are beneficial.
But is there a difference between obsessive worry and just generalized worry? I believe that it is obsessive worrying that is our downfall and causes us to sink into a place and space of negativity and inability to function in a truly healthy and harmonious way. However, if constant worrying is affecting your ability to think and function normally, then it would be wise to check with a mental health professional for some guidance.
Assuming that your worrying is within the range of “normal” what can you do to ease it?
1) Identify and acknowledge that you have overactive worry mindset. That in itself is a grand first step to begin to eliminate it.
2) In the words of the classic song “Don’t worry – be happy!” know that you CAN learn to choose more joyful thought patterns. Keep in mind that worries are a form of self-limiting beliefs and fear-based thinking. Once you can wrap your understanding around that, it becomes far easier to make a change.
3) When you find yourself stuck in the loop of worry, have a talk with yourself. Ask yourself exactly why you are worrying and let yourself acknowledge the worst that can happen. Once you have (briefly) “gone down to the depths” then design steps you can take and positive actions that will help you rise up. Begin to actively take those mental steps — one at a time — to walk in a path of greater light and positivity.
4) Substitute an affirmation(s) for negative mind chatter. This is especially helpful if you begin as soon as you find yourself getting caught up in a round of acute worry. (See affirmations below.)
5) Ask for guidance from friends and family. You are not alone in this life experience so reach out to others. Connection with supportive folks inspires comfort.
6) Ask for guidance from spiritual helpers (whatever resonates with you.) Ask the angels, Archangels, the Divine — and trust in your connection here. This kind of reaching out can actually be very healing and calming.
7) Incorporate pure fun and joy into your everyday life. You can’t occupy the space of both worry and enjoyment at the same time, so opt for the good-feeling actions, thoughts and emotions when possible. When you are feeling good about your now moments, then worries are eased out and happiness flows in.
Affirmations:
- I release worry as I welcome in a more joyful and positive mindset.
- I pay attention to the now moment and strive for a sense of harmony with that moment.
- I do the inner work of releasing anxiety and tension, and choosing optimism and balance.
Money And Abundance – Being Nonjudgmental About Other People’s Relationships With Money
Posted by: | CommentsMoney. We talk about it, think about it, write about it, strive to have enough of it. There are a million books telling us how to make a million bucks! Our own personal relationships with money are ever-changing and often filled with drama.
But how objective are you when observing others people’s relationships with money? Does the way another person interacts and perceives finances affect you?
My own relationship with people has been influenced by their relationships with money — or more specifically, how they choose to spend money. What I mean is that I am not in complete resonance with all levels of conspicuous consumption. I sometimes find it difficult to be understanding of the curious and (my perceived) wasteful spending of others. And yet, in the scheme of things, the spending of others is truly not my business.
I happen to live in an area where many people enjoy spending in a lavish way. For instance, if I make a new acquaintance and she shows off her pair of $400 shoes (supposedly one of many) I might not be truly comfortable in courting this particular friendship. Now, if someone buys numerous pairs of $400 shoes and is a great humanitarian, or volunteers regularly for a needy cause, then this paints that person in a different light (in my eyes) as opposed to an individual who just delights in collecting extravagant pairs of shoes. So that’s where my human-ness comes in and my challenge is to remain non-judgmental. Because personally, though I have numerous pairs of shoes, the thought of spending said amount on just one pair of shoes is totally outside my realm of thinking. (With women, why does it often come down to the shoes…)
My husband and I have ended up at dinners where the major topic of conversation was “stuff” — how much everyone has, what kind of techie toys and gadgets are part of one’s personal inventory. This has included one-upsman-ship regarding vehicles and vacations. We didn’t enjoy these dinners. and had no idea prior that is the way the conversation would turn.
Certain very spiritual individuals sometimes equate money with attachment. This means attachment to our physical plane here. These individuals do not view the concept of attachment in a positive way. For anything that attaches us to the physical realm will not help us adjust when we do leave this world and move along on our purely spiritual journey. However, a variation of that old saying, “When in the physical life, do as the living” which means it is perfectly okay to enjoy those earthy aspects of living — such as accumulating wealth and those physical possessions that bring us pleasure!
Also, it is important not to confuse the concepts of money and abundance. Abundance does not only have to be financial — it can be an abundance of love, of friends, etc. An abundance of joyful people surrounding us is an extremely positive aspect. Or it can be an abundance of shoes.
To set the record straight, there is nothing wrong with having money. It is wonderful to be in the flow of great financial abundance. To achieve that kind of abundance and invite more of it into our life experience, I strongly believe that we need to look at money in a friendly, uplifting way. And it is essential not to get too caught up in other people’s relationships with money, as that detracts from your own more positive focus of attracting more financial prosperity into your life. As for me, with some of my healing background, I have interestingly enough come to view money as an energy exchange…
What are your thoughts on any of this? Are you able to detach yourself from the money habits of others? Do you personally enjoy accumulating stuff — or are you completely the opposite? Be honest and leave a comment here. I promise to be open-minded!
Affirmations:
- All kinds of abundance flow freely into my life.
- I am understanding and tolerant of others, even when our views differ.
- I see myself as worthy of great financial abundance.
Adaptability and Change – Flowing With the Tide of Life
Posted by: | CommentsDo you flow with life or do you flail against it? Do you take change in stride or do you stride in the opposite direction, overcome with resistance? Resistance is the stress that manifests negatively in your life. It is that feeling of swimming against the tide or upstream against the current of the river.
I remember as a child spending days at the beach. I loved walking out into the waves as far as I could safely go, then turning around and letting the waves gently carry me back to the shore. It was sometimes tough to get through the strength of the waves and I would dig my toes in to the sand, pushing myself further out, one determined step a time, as the waves broke across me. Of course, I never ventured out far and there were always lifeguards present. I do remember how joyful and exhilarating it felt to be washed ashore in the lilting arms of the ocean.
I draw upon this memory to crystallize my thoughts and feelings about the way we “ebb and flow” through changes in our lives. Doesn’t it feel better during the times we glide with the waves of change rather than fight against them?
The more we strain and struggle, the more stress and discord we invite into our reality. And even look at those words: strain, struggle, fight. Feel the negative and resistant vibrations of these words.
The changes that I am referring to here are changes that occur around us, in our environment, not changes that we willingly initiate. Here are some ways to cope and persevere effectively through the energy of change:
- Change is inevitable. Yes, change happens. And happens. And happens. One of my observations is that well-being consists of balanced, free-flowing energy on all levels, as well as being adaptable to the natural component of ongoing change in one’s life. The better we are at facing change and tapping into our skills of adaptability, the more harmony we will experience and the more well-being we will invite into our physical and emotional state.
- Change can be rapid or a process. It can be fast and furious, completely catching us unaware. Or it can be a lengthy process that occurs over time. Either way, it is better to try to look at it as a non-judgmental observer. Embrace the mindset (and even use this as an affirmation) “Yes, I clearly see this happening. But I am going to adapt my thinking and my emotions to deal with this in the best possible and most positive way for my own highest good.”
- You are in charge of your reaction to change. Though you may not be able to control aspects of your environment, you can certainly control your response to these external events and situations. Keep focused on that particular concept, for it is quite powerful and will help keep your cool.
- Embrace an attitude of adaptability. Put a positive spin on your thoughts and say to yourself “I am flexible — I bend and adapt to the changes that come my way.”
- Inner Strength – Dip into the wellspring of your inner strength – yes, everyone has this. Know that you can move through changes (even some of the toughest) and become more experienced, stronger, wiser.
- Keep in mind the distinctions made by that classic Serenity Prayer – “May God grant you the serenity to accept the things you cannot change; the courage to change the things you can; and the wisdom to know the difference.” Learn to trust your inner guidance and KNOW the difference.
Sometimes changes that we originally perceived as unwanted and negative may turn out to be figurative “blessings in disguise” and may shine greater light and wisdom onto our personal life paths.
Affirmations:
- I accept change as a natural part of life.
- My attitude of adaptability helps keep me focused along my life path.
- I tap into my inner guidance and strength to help navigate through challenging times.
Positive Thinking – Acknowledging and Releasing Negative Feelings
Posted by: | Comments“I’m not really one for rumination. Meaning: My kids and I feel our feelings — often deeply — and then, if the feelings are negative, we try to move on. If the feelings are positive, we try to savor them, to hang on to them.” ~Christine Carter, PhD
Some people may think I am this unusual happy-go-lucky, never-having-a-negative-thought individual, due to all the writing I do about positivity and joy. Be assured that my reality encompasses the full scale of human emotions!
Looking back, I have been through years of negativity, when thinking positive on a grand scale was not a glimmer in my then-challenging reality. Thinking STRONG was about as positive as I could be during those years of personal and family turmoil. Fortunately, the most upbeat part of me knew to reach deep inside through all the hurt and fear, as I tapped into my inner strength and guidance to help me persevere along that difficult journey. And yes, eventually I came to the figurative light at the end of the tunnel.
What I learned from my own experience is that it is okay to acknowledge and experience one’s negative feelings. You cannot and should not deny or suppress your feelings, because they are part of your own personal reality. However, and here is the significant “but” — but don’t, as Christine Carter suggests, “ruminate” there forever. Know you CAN move on. Feel the pain, but then let go of it, release it out to the Universe, to God, to wherever.
Know you can find your light again, and let it move you forward toward improved and more optimistic thinking. Staying in the tense, unproductive and downright toxic energy of negative feelings for a prolonged period of time is unhealthy. I am convinced (and scientific evidence supports this) that remaining there will only lead to the manifestation of physical symptoms and illness.
The flip side of this equation is that when you manage to consciously shift yourself up the emotional scale into a better-feeling place — SAVOR that place. That is the feeling to ruminate on — to be in alignment with. When you find yourself in this sunshine-filled, good-feeling reality — exalt your magnificence, the powerful YOU that has brought yourself happily to this moment. Celebrate your optimistic self! And you will feel even better, drawing more good-feeling, positive aspects toward you.
Some joys in our lives are sudden and unexpected (as are some of our sorrows.) But recognize and appreciate the gamut of all these remarkable times. Bask in the joy. File that particular, remarkably clear, slice-of-happy-life feeling in the back of your mind to reach for on another day, when you might need to be uplifted by the memory of it.
Affirmations:
- I acknowledge ALL my feelings and release the ones that no longer serve me.
- I know that I can consciously let go of painful emotions and replace them with powerfully joyful ones.
- I take time to savor and appreciate those moments of joy, accomplishment and exhilaration.
Positive Thinking – Managing Challenges Along Your Unique Life Path
Posted by: | Comments“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” Henry David Thoreau
This wise old saying gives us very clear permission to follow that different drummer, yet most of us still are of the mindset of comparing and measuring ourselves against others. And then what happens: we often become frustrated and feel we can’t keep up. Even if you don’t think this overtly, you may carry this mentality within your subconscious mind.
You ARE unique and you need to begin to feel that it’s perfectly okay to walk your own walk. You do not want to “vibrate” exactly the same as everybody else. So refrain from the mindset of comparing yourself to others. Compare yourself to who YOU want to be, to where YOU want to go.
That’s not to say your path is solitary, or should be — it is always brilliant and beneficial to be connected to others as they walk along their own personal paths. However, hold on to your own dreams and visions of what you wish your life to be. Don’t let the influence of others overtake you. And you don’t really need to “walk a mile” in their shoes. Just be tolerant, understanding, respectful. And continue merrily on your way.
However, when we encounter challenging times along our path, it often becomes tough to think clearly and we get sidetracked. People often write to me about challenges and wonder how to energetically persevere and overcome these personal hurdles (which can sometimes be truly major obstacles.)
Here are a few suggestions:
- Acknowledge your human perspective and know that it is okay to be stymied by challenges (we ALL are.) Then acknowledge that deep within you are strong — you are POWERFUL and you have amazing potential. Consciously call upon your inner strength to see you through.
- Call upon the higher consciousness, Source, God, the Divine, your angels (whatever you believe) and ask for assistance with your challenge. Prayer and requests are always helpful — moving some of your burden out of your heart and turning it over to a Higher Power.
- Be of the thought set to “move ahead.” Even though your goal or wish may seem like a zillion steps away — a veritable long and winding road — or your challenge looks as high as a mountain, just know you can move ahead and make progress a little at a time.
Remember Lao Tzu’s sage statement from thousands of years ago: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” So TAKE THAT FIRST STEP. And take it with as much light and joy as you can muster — “fake it til you make it.” At least you will have spurred yourself into action. It is always motivating to “chunk it down.” Divide your dream, your wish or your obstacle into doable segments. - And most of all, be kind to yourself. Don’t chastise yourself harshly for not being where you want to be. That type of head talk will only be painful and and further debilitating. So encourage yourself as you can. Know that challenges come — but challenges also go — and you can ride out the stormy wave and once again find a sense of peace and harmony in your life. YOU HAVE THE STRENGTH.
Affirmations:
- I call upon my inner strength to see me through challenging times.
- One step at a time and one goal-at-a-time is the way to achieve my dreams and plans.
- I am always kind to myself, as well as being loving and compassionate toward others.