in

3 Ways to Open Up to Life’s Challenges

Life can throw you into a seemingly chaotic and pretty confusing place, bringing on daily anxieties and a host of blindsided circumstances. It can put you in a position where you feel you have to quit anything and everything that was or is a part of that crisis phase. For me, it wasn’t some divine calling or enlightened spiritual awakening that forced this transition, it was the Universe telling me under no uncertain terms would I be able to continue operating the way I had – serious health issues popped up and that deep-seated, gripping anxiety that permeated my relationships with everyone I connected to: clients, family, friends and most importantly, myself.

As this experience ripped through every moment of my daily life, tearing at anything that was not serving my inner peace or my health, I had to step back and accept that if I was to move forward and be whole and authentic to myself, I would have to acknowledge where I was in the craziness and find a way within me to embrace the challenges and finally listen to my own calling. I could only believe that doing so would bring me to a place where I would grow into a happier, stronger and more balanced version of who I am. I can tell you it has been at times paralyzing, emotionally upsetting and really, really frustrating.

Embracing Challenges

The never-ending, suffocating pressure certainly had me tempted time and again to succumb to the fear, the worry, the monkey-brain thinking that consumed my thoughts, but I accepted that the “powers that be” had sent me a fire storm to once and for all help me get a handle on knowing who I really am. The surge of anxiety and streaming chaos forced the person I had been all my life to own up to the traits that had so negatively affected me, and be ready for what was to come from the release of thoughts that were no longer serving me or my interactions with others. In response to this humbling reality I started to:

  • Operate with the idea that “If something does not feel good for you, then don’t do it.” When you go against what your gut is telling you, you betray your soul.
  • Accept that old habits and behaviors may not be authentic and not in my best interest.
  • Realized that I had disassociated with my own desires while serving others and gave myself permission to pick up where I left off years minus the guilt.
  • Tap back into my faith. I am a spiritual, idealistic person and denying that was not serving me; I am more balance when I can believe in something greater than myself.
  • Be super grateful for the crisis. Had the experience of illness not come to me I might never arrived at a place where I am learning who I can become.

We face with challenges every day that feel uncomfortable and awkward and it’s OK to have slip ups and setbacks. What’s important is that you recognize what is happening, opt not to become a victim to the crisis or the anxiety, listen to your inner sense of knowing, and shut down the spiral worry before they undo all your good work.

Accepting Life’s Challenges

Here are a few ideas to take into your day when life’s challenges have you flustered.

1. Do just one small thing to make today a little brighter.

Realize that even the smallest shift in perception and behavior can give you a more grounded, peaceful and centered YOU. Something as simple as helping a friend, hitting the pillow early with a good book, eating healthier, and exercise are all solid options to being brighter and lighter in attitude.

2. Embrace your own brand of feel good.

We’re are not all alike. Each of us has our own way of taking things on and managing life’s heavy-duty stuff. Open up to the possibility of new interests, new places, people who give us a sense of feeling great about ourselves. Even consider a new living environment or new neighborhood. Cultivate what feels really good and do more of it. Seek out those who validate your experiences, support your transition and reward yourself by spending more time with them.

3. You are in charge of how you relate; it’s OK to take a break and review.

We are allowed to review and reset our inner frequency whenever we are feeling out of balance or slightly weird about anything. Take a walk outside, attend a yoga class, go for a run, do a short meditation, journal, or just spend five-minutes regrouping. Giving yourself that time to be present in the day, acknowledging that we are all in a state of flux and challenges are going to come no matter what, can let you be more grounded to accept whatever might whirl into your life and shake it up. We have the capacity for anything we desire. All we have to do is show up and be OK with the changes, the challenges, and all that come with it.

Letting the idea of a life challenge be more of a dare to overcome something that is not serving you gives you a chance to see it as a manageable, doable task, not something to overwhelm you or cause you fear or pain. Think of those challenges as excuses to greet a part of yourself that you’ve kept locked away. No more hiding, no more insulating from what “might” be. Just accept the truth that you’re doing all right no matter what the situation.

Written by Lisa Pool

A "re-branding" agent and free lance writer, Lisa Pool works with clients to master their image and teaches on the DIY way to successful marketing and small business promotions. Lisa will be releasing her book "Sweet Bedlam - the epic road from fear to inner peace and personal success" spring 2012. Lisa loves her yoga, running and learning to balance the single mom life.

One Comment

Got Calcium?

A Natural Face Lift: Facial Exercises to Boost Your Beauty