Find the gifts in your challenges
One morning earlier this week, I was complaining in my head about several projects that were taking longer than expected, plus some other issues that were popping up that needed to be addressed. I was feeling frustrated before the day had even started so, as I often do when feeling overwhelmed, I reached into “my grandma’s heart” ceramic box to see if I could get some helpful advice.
As I mentioned in a previous post, this box contains several dozen little notes of wisdom that I’ve collected over the years. I reached in, eyes closed, and pulled out what I hoped might be a solution to my grumpy, head-spinning state of mind. I eagerly read it hoping for relief, but it wasn’t exactly what I’d hoped for, but it was definitely wisdom — “Find the gifts in your challenges.”
I got a little huffy when I read this; it wasn’t what I wanted to hear in that moment, but I had to admit it hit the nail on the head. I poured my morning coffee and sat with that little piece of paper for a while. I reflected on some of my past challenges and concluded that following those times, I came away smarter, wiser, more prepared, and humbler.
Over my second cup of coffee, I pledged to take the advice from my grandma’s heart to find the gifts in my challenges and bless them for the life lessons I’ve been taught so far. The current challenges are still there, but the way I treat them, and myself, has shifted. I’m happy for the relief.
Please support me in my pledge, and I invite you to join in my pledge if my story is familiar to you.
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Well Street
I like how reflecting on past challenges and the positivity that came from them helped shift your perspective on the current ones and yourself, as well—a definite win.
Personal development books and websites often advise readers to regard obstacles as gifts, but that doesn't make it easy to do. I'm happy to support you in your pledge.
Slipstream
You're right, it's not easy. That's why I was "huffy." I'm kind of a "cut to the chase" kind of person, so reflecting is something I have to work at, but in the long run, it does pay off.
Evangel
I really like your beautiful pledge and I so relate to it. So I'll hold your feet to the fire on this one.
There really are so many little gifts to discover in any challenge if we stop looking at such moments through a negative lens. For instance, when I was a little girl, my mother wanted me and my siblings to come in from playing and go shopping with her...which was the last thing we wanted to do. So we stalled, complained, and continued to jump rope. At last she said "Okay, we won't go, but you missed out. I was going to take you to the donut shop." You never know what good is meant to come out of the situation you're in.
Thanks for sharing your heart and your grandma's wisdom with us.
Slipstream
Missed out on donuts; that's definitely a lesson it itself! Thanks for your support.
Wilsons Grave
I've had my own share of those mornings, but I've got nothing like your grandma's gift box with tidbits of advice. So I hope you share more of these heartwarming helpful hints. I got a kick out of this one and cheerfully join you in finding the gift in future challenges.
Slipstream
Thanks so much for your support. I'm sure there will be more I can share as life moves along.