Positive Thinking – Managing Challenges Along Your Unique Life Path

“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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.