Growing Through Adversity

We have all experienced what we would call adversity at one time or another in our lives. Some of us have experienced one or more very traumatic events or circumstances that led to pain and suffering.

I too have experienced traumas both minor and severe throughout my life, and I'm now blessed to find the beauty in what has been born from these events and life situations, especially over the past several years.

Adversity led me to seek and find several different spiritual and energetic teachers and authors, through whom I have developed a deep understanding of living a life of surrender and acceptance of what is. This allows me to be at peace when challenging situations arise, especially when there is little I can physically do to change or influence the situation.

I'm certainly not "there" all of the time. Like everyone I have my days, but for the most part there is an acceptance and peace with whatever is happening outwardly. Also, in this mindfully present state, I am much more likely to think clearly about next steps, and to relinquish any attempt to control the uncontrollable, which can only lead to suffering.

I am eternally grateful that the long and often winding path of my life has brought me precisely to the place I am in now. I am enjoying this journey of growth and spiritual expansion. And I especially appreciate that I now have the ability to serve others through the understanding I've developed.

Wherever you are today in your life's journey, I wish for you the growth that comes from living all of life's adventures. And I wish you peace in the acceptance of what is.

Cheryl

www.cherylenniscoaching.com

The Reality of Expectations

If you've been exposed at all to self-help books, personal or professional development, or law of attraction or spiritual teachers of any kind, you've been exposed to the idea that you get what you expect, or maybe that you get what you focus on.

Many people object to this principle, protesting that they would never want or expect illness, financial difficulties, or other negative circumstances. While it is true that most of us would never consciously expect, desire or focus on attracting an unwanted circumstance, we often unconsciously attract those situations into our lives through our expectations.

The disconnect lies in our understanding of expectations. An expectation often has nothing to do with conscious anticipation. Instead our conscious and unconscious expectations are formed through our exposure to the thoughts, words, teachings and other programming we are subject to throughout our lives.

Our expectations come from our beliefs, many of which were formed in childhood, and as a result are so ingrained in us that we never even identify, let alone examine them in any meaningful way. For example, if we grew up in a household that believed in financial lack, that good health was a matter of luck or 'good genes', or that life is just a series of random events over which we have no control, we will often embrace these ideas. As a result, we form expectations of the same.

On the other hand, we can consciously and deliberately examine our beliefs and consciously decide to expect what we desire, rather than what we think is inevitable. Today, pick an area of your life and examine the patterns you have experienced. Then explore the beliefs you hold about that particular topic. Think back to the conversations you heard during your childhood and how they influenced your current belief system. When you have identified your set of beliefs, you can then question them and deliberately set a different expectation for your life.

This week, set an intention to purposely expect the best life has to offer.

The Beauty of a Simple Holiday Season

At this time of year we are often stressed about getting everything done, and even more so by the pressure to do and give and buy more, and to do it all earlier than the year before. We compare ourselves to others, and the marketing efforts of retailers are designed to make us feel less than if we don't give our spouses, friends and children the biggest, best and brightest gadgets, apparel or toy of the season. The worst of this is that we then often feel limited and inadequate, rather than joyful and appreciative.

For the past many years my family and I have practiced a fairly simple holiday season: not too many or too extravagant gifts, small get-togethers, low-key decorations and sometimes going off to do our own thing rather than feeling pressured to all be together for the holiday.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE being with my family for Christmas. But, as the kids got older the reality was that they had other obligations with significant others, work schedules and the usual demands of life. This year I will be with my daughter and son and granddaughter on Christmas Eve and part of Christmas Day. I am very excited by the prospect, but am also okay with the idea that we may or may not get to do this every year.

I'm grateful for the time we do have together and hope we can embrace the spirit of love and family and heartfelt giving that the season is meant to be about. I wish the same for you and your loved ones. May you have a holiday season of peace and love and goodwill.