Joy-filled greetings!
Ever get pushed to your limits and you just want it to be over with? Of course! Or, maybe you feel like you're living your life this way all too often! Oh, oh.
This past summer our home was getting some major repairs done, and it took 9 weeks to complete. Every day I lived with the noise of very loud power tools, the smells of various chemical substances being used, never knowing when someone was going to be right outside my window, and often having to keep all the windows closed with the air conditioners removed (windows were being repaired, too).
Let me tell you, I was not my best self throughout this. I was pushed beyond my capabilities for staying centered, resourceful, and maintaining my inner peace; and for being able to maintain my meditation practice no matter what. It weakened me, not only when at home, but pretty much for the whole 9 weeks and even beyond. There was a cumulative effect of both not keeping up my
practices that serve me in being my best self, and the ripple effect of just not being my best self.
As I'm writing this, it occurs to me that this is probably how I always was before learning the fundamental happiness skills I have now; and how most people live. It's only because I know now how much better it can be, that I can have this awareness.
Ever get pushed to your limits and you just want it to be over with? Of course! Or, maybe you feel like you're living your life this way all too often! Oh, oh.
This past summer our home was getting some major repairs done, and it took 9 weeks to complete. Every day I lived with the noise of very loud power tools, the smells of various chemical substances being used, never knowing when someone was going to be right outside my window, and often having to keep all the windows closed with the air conditioners removed (windows were being repaired, too).
Let me tell you, I was not my best self throughout this. I was pushed beyond my capabilities for staying centered, resourceful, and maintaining my inner peace; and for being able to maintain my meditation practice no matter what. It weakened me, not only when at home, but pretty much for the whole 9 weeks and even beyond. There was a cumulative effect of both not keeping up my
practices that serve me in being my best self, and the ripple effect of just not being my best self.
As I'm writing this, it occurs to me that this is probably how I always was before learning the fundamental happiness skills I have now; and how most people live. It's only because I know now how much better it can be, that I can have this awareness.
Anyways, at some point, I was able to realize that the experience was like a personal growth boot camp! When you're pushed to the limits of your comfort zone, your normally hidden weaknesses are revealed. And, those weaknesses are showing you where you can improve and, thus, your opportunities for growth.
You're being shown which skills you're lacking or need to improve upon to a higher level of competency. And, your limiting beliefs are more likely to show up when you're being tested.
What a gift! I embraced the opportunity; did the personal work; and came out of it all "new and improved"! I was even grateful that it all happened!
You're being shown which skills you're lacking or need to improve upon to a higher level of competency. And, your limiting beliefs are more likely to show up when you're being tested.
What a gift! I embraced the opportunity; did the personal work; and came out of it all "new and improved"! I was even grateful that it all happened!
New Possibilities for YOU!
The good thing is, life is always going to give you these "personal growth boot camp" opportunities. The question is, how are you going to use them?
Are you going to "bite the bullet" and just push through as best you can; or are you going to look at it as an opportunity for growth, and use it that way?
What areas do you feel weak in that some new or improved skills would help make easier? (like staying centered and calm no matter what, or being able to manage your moods and emotions, or being able to fearlessly take necessary actions)
Pay attention to the inner stories you're telling yourself. What limiting beliefs are being revealed to you that you could work on to shift to ones that would serve you better?
If you can't manage this on your own, get help! It's often difficult to be an observer of ourselves or to change our most limiting beliefs on our own. But, with the right approach, it can even be easy!
Look forward to your life getting better and better, and hold this story even in the midst of the storm! From my own experiences, and from the many people who have worked with me, I know for sure that this really is possible. And it's possible for you, too!
Supporting you in living with greater ease and joy,
Ann
The good thing is, life is always going to give you these "personal growth boot camp" opportunities. The question is, how are you going to use them?
Are you going to "bite the bullet" and just push through as best you can; or are you going to look at it as an opportunity for growth, and use it that way?
What areas do you feel weak in that some new or improved skills would help make easier? (like staying centered and calm no matter what, or being able to manage your moods and emotions, or being able to fearlessly take necessary actions)
Pay attention to the inner stories you're telling yourself. What limiting beliefs are being revealed to you that you could work on to shift to ones that would serve you better?
If you can't manage this on your own, get help! It's often difficult to be an observer of ourselves or to change our most limiting beliefs on our own. But, with the right approach, it can even be easy!
Look forward to your life getting better and better, and hold this story even in the midst of the storm! From my own experiences, and from the many people who have worked with me, I know for sure that this really is possible. And it's possible for you, too!
Supporting you in living with greater ease and joy,
Ann
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