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Daily Question, March 4

What are the opportunities in a recent, challenging life experience?

  • Kristi

    When I think of the recent lockdowns, there were many challenges test so many opportunities to be thankful for all that I have. The lockdown taught me to slow down and appreciate family time as well as downtime. A lesson I hope to carry with me!

  • Emily

    For me the opportunities in a recent, challenging life experience are growth as in personal and spiritual growth. I think we all have so much personal and spiritual growth to gain throughout our lives and that we should never stop on our journey of growth.

  • Malag

    Being stuck at home frequently in lock downs has to some extent given me a flavour of transitioning into retirement. And I definitely want some level of occupation or study. So the opportunity is to give further thought on that.

  • Ose

    to be visible and be seen in my vulnerability was both a big challenge and an opportunity recently. While I was aware of the ongoing challenge of showing up vulnerable, which I wanted to face then, to experience it as a huge opportunity and a great gift was only afterwards. It was freeing in fact, unexpectedly, supported faith and trust and most of all, allowed much more connecting warmly with others, and for this whole process I am deeply grateful.

  • Drew Blanton

    You can learn, and hopefully if other people are involved you can help each other.

  • Ed Schulte
    Well lets seeThere is a Mouse in the house …and it qualifies as a “challenge” because it seems to be fully educated in the “humane” catching device i paid $7 for and wont fall for it. Not only that …it considers itself to be an expert in the Visualization, Contemplation and Meditation exercises I do every morning….it looks up from near my feel with critical watching eyes and no fear of me what-s0-ever. So the “opportunity” for me is to use 50 years in Consulting Engineering to...

    Well lets seeThere is a Mouse in the house …and it qualifies as a “challenge” because it seems to be fully educated in the “humane” catching device i paid $7 for and wont fall for it. Not only that …it considers itself to be an expert in the Visualization, Contemplation and Meditation exercises I do every morning….it looks up from near my feel with critical watching eyes and no fear of me what-s0-ever.
    So the “opportunity” for me is to use 50 years in Consulting Engineering to come up with a NO cost “humane” mouse catcher…trial no 1 has started…

    Read More
    • Kevin

      …and Ed, I’m holding off on placing my bet! Good luck!

      • Ed Schulte

        All done….the mouse can invade the neighbours cabin

      • Ed Schulte

        Strange enough that is what the mouse seemed to be saying this morning! Prototype no 2 in the works , fine adjustments to trick floor and a bit more sunflower seeds to ensure non-resistance

  • KC
    I approached someone who came well recommended to provide an ongoing professional service. He initially said yes, then turned me down. His reason was convincing enough. I was disappointed. The opportunity is to reach out for new referrals, gain more confidence and clarity, take it one step at a time, keep going and stay open to brand new, positive steps and experiences. Also thinking about how I can be a ‘good’ client to ensure a positive new adventure as well as outcome for all conc...

    I approached someone who came well recommended to provide an ongoing professional service. He initially said yes, then turned me down. His reason was convincing enough. I was disappointed.

    The opportunity is to reach out for new referrals, gain more confidence and clarity, take it one step at a time, keep going and stay open to brand new, positive steps and experiences. Also thinking about how I can be a ‘good’ client to ensure a positive new adventure as well as outcome for all concerned. Lots of learning ahead.

    Hurrah for Spring and new beginnings!

    Read More
  • HL

    I have had several close relatives die in the past year (not from covid); bizarrely, the pandemic allowed me to work from home, which allowed me to have more space, time and rest – I don’t know how I would have coped with my grief this past year if I hadn’t had that. The ‘overwhelm’ of covid has led me to focus on caring for myself and my close friends and family. So while the pandemic has taken a lot away from me, I am grateful for the space it has created.

  • Don Jones

    For me challenges come in two forms: those as a result of a blockage or those as a result of the the turmoil following the release of the blockage. Either way, they are both an opportunity for new possibilities.

  • Linda

    My husband has been beset by several medical challenges over the past years. Because I was gone all the time at work, I didn’t notice his fortitude, his courage and his drive to keep going. I have seen it in the past year of quarantine, and it is humbling. I so admire that he never gives up, even in the face of chronic pain.
    Before I saw his various illnesses and surgeries as just things we had to deal with and get through, now I see his strength and courage. I am very grateful.

  • Lauryn
    From time to time I get really down - sometimes it’s triggered by something small... sometimes nothing triggers the feeling at all. Most of the time it lasts for only a day or so...but this most recent episode left me feeling down for over a week. I felt hopeless, I snapped at my partner more than a few times, spoke words I didn’t mean. ...now I can look back and see the signs, I know I’m likely to feel that way again at some point, but I can learn to recognize those feelings and set them ...

    From time to time I get really down – sometimes it’s triggered by something small… sometimes nothing triggers the feeling at all. Most of the time it lasts for only a day or so…but this most recent episode left me feeling down for over a week. I felt hopeless, I snapped at my partner more than a few times, spoke words I didn’t mean. …now I can look back and see the signs, I know I’m likely to feel that way again at some point, but I can learn to recognize those feelings and set them aside, I can prepare for more positive ways of dealing. I can learn from my past reactions and be aware.

    Read More
  • GregC

    I received a notification I didn’t pass the requirements to become a certified coach from my coaching program, and now have to reapply for certification. The opportunity is to hone my coaching skills to be a better coach for my clients.

  • Patricia

    Even if I’m not sure what the “opportunity” might be in a difficult circumstance, I do have a choice in my reaction to it… and this may create an opportunity or a new perspective. It still may not turn out in a sunny, all-is-well way… and I’ll face that time in the same fashion.

  • Mike
    Over the past few years, my family and I have been pursuing my wife's dream of living on a sailboat, a lifestyle which is harder in many ways than living on land. Under its unique stresses, my behavior has been consistently malevolent, enough to put my marriage at risk. I now have the opportunity to confess the behavior (done, I think, although perhaps not quite completely), to track down the root causes behind it (now in progress), and to root them out (probably a lifelong work to come). - My p...

    Over the past few years, my family and I have been pursuing my wife’s dream of living on a sailboat, a lifestyle which is harder in many ways than living on land. Under its unique stresses, my behavior has been consistently malevolent, enough to put my marriage at risk. I now have the opportunity to confess the behavior (done, I think, although perhaps not quite completely), to track down the root causes behind it (now in progress), and to root them out (probably a lifelong work to come). – My pride (Root Cause No. 1) keeps me from being grateful for this opportunity. The best I can do is to admit the necessity of pursuing it.

    Read More
    • Malag

      “Unique stressed” yes. That’s a tough challenge, Mike. I sail and even short periods with others I find I’m looking for a bit of alone-time space. And that’s hard to find on a boat. Looks like you’re doing some deep work there. Best wishes to you and yours.

  • DeVonna

    The pandemic is the most recent challenging life experience that springs to mind. I didn’t do well with it, I’m afraid. I was scared, worried, anxious, I was a mess. I tried to ground myself in gratitude and remain faithful to my daily devotions and meditation time. The pandemic was a time to rest in my faith, and I did try, but fear won out.

    • LeanIn

      Thanks for writing this. I feel you. This pandemic has changed life, and it’s going to be hard for some of us to think it’s an “opportunity” or for the better. Hang in there!

  • Toni
    Getting to know my sister during this pandemic has been a great opportunity. She lives in Florida and I live in New York. The pandemic prevented her from visiting and I got a kitten so I won't be traveling for a while. He needs me and is great company and lots of fun. In essence, learning to appreciate what is right in front of my nose is what is presenting itself. I'm not driven to distraction as much as I used to be. So I get to appreciate life on life's terms. I'm still cleaning out cl...

    Getting to know my sister during this pandemic has been a great opportunity. She lives in Florida and I live in New York. The pandemic prevented her from visiting and I got a kitten so I won’t be traveling for a while. He needs me and is great company and lots of fun. In essence, learning to appreciate what is right in front of my nose is what is presenting itself. I’m not driven to distraction as much as I used to be. So I get to appreciate life on life’s terms. I’m still cleaning out closets and getting down to basics. There might be new opportunities when I’m done, like moving. I’m not fixed on outcomes right now. I’m more focused on what I’m doing in the moment. The opportunity to be present that’s what’s showing up.

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  • Journey
    I got diagnosed with an auto immune condition this year requiting me to change my diet. I was told to stop eating many of the things I love. This limits the day to day and requires me to plan all my meals. This past weekend, I got lazy and got takeout and ate other stuff on the restricted list and I’m paying the price this week. There are many many serious medical conditions out there and I am very aware of that and acknowledge and am grateful that mine is not bad. However, it it still a cond...

    I got diagnosed with an auto immune condition this year requiting me to change my diet. I was told to stop eating many of the things I love. This limits the day to day and requires me to plan all my meals. This past weekend, I got lazy and got takeout and ate other stuff on the restricted list and I’m paying the price this week. There are many many serious medical conditions out there and I am very aware of that and acknowledge and am grateful that mine is not bad. However, it it still a condition and a challenge for me and I’m trying to see it as an opportunity to redefine myself, forge a new path, incorporate new things (yoga, meditation, pranayama) and new ‘allowed’ foods, literally turn over a new leaf. I am grateful I have the tools to do this and the work from home environment allows more time for yoga etc. My challenge (although a small one) is also an opportunity to better myself.

    Read More
    • Pilgrim

      Journey, I was diagnosed with a very limiting form of colitis about 8 years ago, so I hear you on this struggle. Blessings on your pathway of health.

  • Trish

    There have been several encounters with people in the last month where the prevalent message has been clear to me: everyone is on their own journey. Each journey is unique and beautiful and offers truth that I can learn from if I pay attention. Sometimes I wish people were on my journey because it’s so amazing….& that ego driven thought needs to be quelled. Please love & embrace all the journeys, Trish. This is my lesson….

  • k'Care-Reena
    This reflection is very sentimental for me. I had a break up about 1yr ago, the break up was a bit messy. I had to fly back to the states alone, experiencing panic attacks the day before Christmas Eve. My former partner bought my flight and sent me on my way. We were traveling and planning to start a family. My mental health condition at the time was not being treated and he was unable to manage a relationship with someone who has anxiety. I hated him at first however I couldn’t he supported m...

    This reflection is very sentimental for me. I had a break up about 1yr ago, the break up was a bit messy. I had to fly back to the states alone, experiencing panic attacks the day before Christmas Eve. My former partner bought my flight and sent me on my way. We were traveling and planning to start a family.
    My mental health condition at the time was not being treated and he was unable to manage a relationship with someone who has anxiety.
    I hated him at first however I couldn’t he supported me more than 100% (financially, emotionally). He introduced me to a world I would of NEVER been introduced to. I am understanding his frustration day by day.
    When I was in the airport I told him that I wanted to be with him and no one else , that I would wait for him. However I find my heart & soul calling for him.
    This challenging life experience has given me the drive to travel and support myself. I’m a client turned coach. I have my LLC now and will begin to travel and coach. This experience has honestly taught me patience, acceptance, understanding and acknowledge. I have more patience for myself and others, I am not as anxious I was before traveling. I am more carefree and opened minded. I got my heart broken TRULY and lost a relationship while gaining respect, love etc for myself and others.

    Read More
  • devy

    With the current pandemic situation the opportunities that I have found are how strong I am, learn to embrace more my introvertedness, realized how strong my couple now that we have to spend more time together and many other things such as being able to spend more time on personal interests and hobbies. The pandemic also is teaching me gratitude for what I have and to reach out to others who are n worse predicaments..

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