Happiness Tip: Mining For The Gold
Published on 12 Dec 2007 at 9:43 am.
9 Comments.
Filed under Feature Articles, Personal Development Strategies, Spirituality & Inspiration.
On the heels of my last post, I thought today’s article would take my points a bit deeper.
A very dear friend of mine has had a helluva year. Over the past 12 months she has said goodbye to many relatives and close friends who have died and has been a support to others who have been diagnosed with serious illnesses. In a recent conversation as she was sobbing, she said, “This year has been so difficult and painful. I’m so tired and would love to have a break. At the same time, I am so grateful for all of the gifts that have come from each experience”.
She inspires me.
It takes courage to be in the discomfort and honor the value of the experience. The tendency is to want to get rid of it, repress it, or run away
She knows that within life’s challenges, there are blessings that can be found in each experience, if you are willing to look for AND own the gift. Regardless of whatever is happening in your world, the one power you retain is your viewpoint; how you choose to see the situation. That’s the difference between being a victim of your circumstances or the hero of your life story.
Each night she writes 50 things she’s gratefull for including the painful, messy stuff. This year has helped her to become more authentically aligned with who she is and her life purpose. And the Universe has responded by bringing her several lucrative business opportunities, the completion of a new book and so much more. Despite the pain, she says she has never felt more alive and vital.
Ain’t that cool? Imagine being able to feel pain and power at the same time!
Consider a situation in your life that you are avoiding. If you felt courageous to show up and face that experience head on, what are some of the gifts and blessings you might receive?
Be willing to be surprised by your answer.
Cheers! 
Lorraine
www.powerfull-living.biz
CG Walters on 24 Dec 2007 at 3:49 pm: 1
Thank you, Lorraine.
Perhaps your friend feels so alive because she is not withdrawing/resisting life, but opening fully and allowing herself to feel, to experience.
Also, I think that the idea of death as loss is a misconception. They are not gone, we just can no longer interact with them the way that was most obvious before.
Peace and wonder,
CG
lorraine on 24 Dec 2007 at 3:57 pm: 2
Very insightfull CG
I would have to agree. My friend is flowing with the experiences in her life and she welcomes all the feelings without judging or resisting them.
I also feel as you about loss. A dear friend transitioned in August and I know she is around me. I can feel her. What I miss is the physical interaction with her. That is the main loss for me.
Blessings to you,
Lorraine
FitBuff.com's Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog on 27 Dec 2007 at 11:29 am: 3
Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog Carnival 29…
Monday is Blog Carnivals Day. A Blog Carnival is basically a collection of articles or blog posts, all relating to a similar subject, that are gathered together for your viewing pleasure. You can quickly and conveniently see a list of Article Titles a…
Matthew | www.loving-awareness.org on 29 Dec 2007 at 12:08 pm: 4
Gratefulness is all about seeing perfection. It isn’t anything forced - it comes from a total allowing. In fact, trying to be grateful defeats the purpose. It’s pretty natural!
http://www.loving-awareness.org - A Journey to Wholeness
lorraine on 30 Dec 2007 at 8:28 am: 5
So true Matthew
I have found that when I’m feeling pure appreciation, the joy naturally flows. I’m not always there! My head still gets in the way.
Have a wonderfull day and a blessing New Year!
Lorraine
Patricia - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker on 6 Jan 2008 at 2:01 am: 6
Finding the gift that each challenge brings is what makes life worth living. Being an incest survivor has bought many challenges into my life. The gifts that have come out of each of those challenges are priceless. I would not be who I am today without those experiences.
lorraine on 6 Jan 2008 at 9:29 am: 7
I applaud you Patricia
I was an addictions counselor in a recovery center for many years. A large portion of my clients were also survivors of abuse. From your writings, I can tell you have developed a strong sense of who you are and have turned your past into a victory. Being able to the appreciate gifts that all experiences bring, good or bad, right or wrong makes the difference between being a victim of circumstances, or the hero of your life story.
What a gift you are for others!
Bless you,
Lorraine
Patricia - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker on 6 Jan 2008 at 9:40 am: 8
Loraine, thank you for your kind words of encouragement.
lorraine on 6 Jan 2008 at 9:53 am: 9
Thank YOU for being a ray of hope and a model of what is possible for folks who have endured deeply painful experiences Patricia
In love and light,
Lorraine