In the past, I would not have looked forward to going through trials or encountering obstacles.  Today, I look at things through a much different lens.  I am excited when something challenging comes my way because I know there will be a pearl at the end.  I truly believe that through ever trial there is a growth opportunity, if we choose to see it that way.

One example of this, happened several months ago when my email account was hacked and messages were sent out appearing to be from me, but they weren’t.  The content was embarrassing.  I lost friends and relationships were damaged.  Luckily, I was on the path of personal growth and chose to double down and hit it hard.  I began to read books, listen to podcast and interviews and met with my accountability coaches.  I dug deep to clean up what I could control, made apologies and let go of resentments.  I gathered strength as I moved forward and I chipped away a little at a time.  It was very challenging, but I kept faith that there would be light at the end of the tunnel.

However, because of this trial and my choice to view it as an opportunity to learn and grow, I have a stronger bond and commitment with my significant other.  I have deeper friendships with people who extended me grace and compassion.  I have a heightened yearning for more wisdom and growth. I’m in better physical shape and am healthier.  I have more compassion and empathy for others.  I am more creative in my thoughts, actions and work.  I learned that there is infinite creativity for everyone in this universe.  And I wake up happier and more excited everyday because I know I will learn something new.

If we have nothing else, we always have the freedom of choice of how we perceive an event and how we respond to it.  We can choose the optimal way to view any situation and that can determine the extent of our growth.  “If it takes apparent misfortune to turn us into true philosophers and doers of good to receive good, then apparent misfortune is our greatest fortune”. – Vernon Howard.

We gather strength and grow during our journey.  Think back to a trial in your life and the growth and pearls that came out of it.  How did you perceive it, respond to it and grow from it?  How will you choose next time?

Love, Heather