Growth Matters: Getting Life Lessons
Growth matters. And it happens whether we want it to or not. It is relentless in its steady pulse.
Like the seasons, we can count on the cyclical invitation to grow: spring, summer, winter, fall - each holding something different for us.
This is a great month to take inventory.
Perhaps you are in a time of celebration right now - things are going well for you. Take inventory and list all the things that are going right. Offer appreciation and then ask: what is the lesson that I am I to be learning from this time/situation?
If you are going through a challenging time – of any sort – then list the challenges one by one and ask yourself: what is the lesson that I am to be learning from this challenge/time/situation?
In the school of life, we are here for two reasons: one is to know/share our innate gifts and talents (your purpose is linked with those gifts and talents); the second is to learn the lessons that we set out to learn in this lifetime.
We invite those lessons in any number of ways: we engage in work situations that serve us; we engage in work situations that are displeasing to us; we find ourselves ourselves in relationships that energize us and we find ourselves in relationships that de-energize or distract us from doing our positive work in the world; etc.
Life is about growth. We find growth opportunities at every turn.
This has been both a challenge and a joy for me in my life. Difficulties have presented themselves. Some of those difficulties have resurfaced again and again prompting me to ask, “Why?” Others have caused me to say, “Really, this again?” Each time I have to go back to the question: What am I to be learning from this situation?
I believe, and my experience confirms, that once we “get the lesson” we can move on to the next. It is like getting a passing grade on a test and moving on to the next lesson/module. If we choose not to study and reflect, we get the chance for a do-over (i.e., retake the test). I have some life lessons that I have almost gotten several times. Others I'm still working on.
Growth matters. And “getting the lesson” is the milestone for which to reach.
As you walk through your day, think about a situation (whether positive or challenging) and ask yourself: “What is the lesson that I am to be learning from this situation?”
And then open yourself to listen. Write down what you hear. It is likely to be a crisp, clean, short message. It may feel like a “knowing.” The answers will define you.
Listen to teacher - s/he resides within you and is wise and gentle and all knowing.
Growth matters. And it will happen in the most unexpected and glorious and, sometimes painful, ways. It’s okay. You got this. One step at a time. One day at a time.
Celebrate the good in every lesson. And have confidence that asking the “right” questions will lead to graduation.
© Kathy Sturgis, Ph.D. Kathy is founder of Refreshment Zone and is an organizational and personal development specialist with a doctorate in communication. Contact kathy@refreshmentzone.com for more information on motivational programs.