Gotta Have Faith

A few years back, when I hit my second rock bottom, I asked my coach, "does life get any easier?" Instead of immediately giving me the "yes, it does" answer that my ego so desperately wanted, she told me that it's not so much that it gets more accessible; it's how we can change our perspective. And by changing our perspective, we learn to respond instead of reacting; that makes the difference. 

Telling someone during a shit storm to change their perspective is one thing, but nothing changes without doing the internal work involved. For example, when I was going through one of my most challenging breakups, I was obsessed with the thought of "why did this happen to me"? I was stuck in a self-pity party's downward spiral, looking for things outside myself to fill what felt like an empty hole.

At the time, I did not see any light at the end of the tunnel. So what was it that kept me going? For one, my coach, and the other was pure faith. I have seen the dark side to things during my journey, but I have seen the brighter side too. I knew that by doing the internal stuff through meditation, writing, coaching, yoga, and so on, I could return to a place where I could feel at my best again.

Sitting with yourself and your thoughts is no easy task. Sometimes it can feel daunting, even when we know it's good for us. The thing is, once you begin, clarity does set in. Over time, I eventually changed "why did this happen to me" to "look at the beautiful lesson this has taught me." And from that naturally came gratitude.

When life seems to be falling apart, what is it that keeps you together? Do you use specific techniques that help you keep going during challenging times?  

Sending love & light,

Lauren