Diamond in the Rough

At times life can seem like a series of challenges, or worst trials and tribulations. But what if these trials are in our life for a reason?  What if they are given to us to explore and learn from? Looking at it from this perspective sheds quite a different light.

• What if the controlling boss at work is there to help us hone our skills at getting our ideas heard and respected?

• What if the dissatisfaction at work is a message that it is time to move on to a career that will provide more satisfaction and fulfillment?

• What if the impulse to numb ourselves with alcohol, drugs, food, shopping, or television, is a sign that there is pain surfacing in our lives that needs to be felt, explored and greeted with a compassionate heart?

• What if our health issues are a wake-up call for us to care even more for our selves—physically, emotionally, spiritually—to really address our deeper longings by slowing down and bring more being into our lives?

• What if our chronic upset with our partners is a sign that it is time to develop the courage and strength to have a deeper, more open communication about what’s really going on?

• What if our financial pressures are a signal for us to find out where our money is going and to choose to spend our money on the things that would bring us the most satisfaction and support our values?

• What if our envy of another is pointing out an aspect of ourselves that we have repressed, that longs for expression?

• What if our boredom is there to prompt us to get out of our well-worn rut and have new experiences, to get outside and be renewed in nature?

• What if feeling cranky and out of sorts is a reminder that we need to spend more time in being?

• What if feeling stuck is a message that we need to reach out for some support so we can address the obstacles and get moving forward and enjoying life again?

Life is giving us exactly what we need to evolve and grow in strength, courage and wisdom. It may seem cruel at times, but when we approach our challenges, trials and tribulations with this understanding, curious to discover what is available in them for us, we are able to find the diamond in the rough and bring into the light another facet of who we are.