by Danielle Marie Crume

Created on: January 09, 2009

Having a tough time lately?

Are you feeling extremely challenged? It seems, for many of us (me included), to be a time of great consistent challenges (with a few rewards in between).

I know at times it is hard to remember, but CHALLENGES ARE A GOOD THING!

Our greatest challenges are also our greatest opportunities. It is those challenges that are most personally trying that later become our greatest strengths. Just as authors write the books they needed to read, you will become the best teacher in the areas that are most challenging to you. A shift of perspective may reveal an invisible line that connects the dots in your puzzle.

1. Get into the habit of changing your perspective to see the opportunity. When you feel the frustration, irritation, and stress:

Pause. Turn inward. Create space to focus on the opportunity being presented.

Sometimes it helps to get out to get a fresh perspective. Other times it helps to settle in and open up a journal to jot down all of your feelings. Go toward the way that feels right to you. Just making the commitment to finding the opportunity will open up that possibility. And hey, if you don't prioritize looking for the opportunity now, you will keep seeing that challenge until you seize the gift within it! Reason enough to do it now?

2. Expand your vision and have faith. Think of the ultimate outcome to this situation. What would be your ideal? Your unlimited best-case-scenario? Really enjoy the process of creating your greatest vision. Then think bigger. Trust that many possibilities for these visions lie within the power of the universe and that you can have what you most deeply desire. Most often, we just need to get out of our own way.

3. Share your findings with others. Those who are supportive will help you create what you want by investing their energy toward your goals. Sometimes this can be as simple as them sharing ways you may be able to do what you want to do or new ideas they see as opportunities for you. And of course, two candles burning together have a much larger flame than either one alone. One of the best benefits of friendship is synergy. Somehow friends can see certain things so easily that we can't see about ourselves, even when trying to look many different ways. Make sure to reap these wonderful rewards of your dearest relationships.

Most often we just need to say what we want verbally to create great changes within us. Simply hearing yourself say something can work wonders on moving you forward.

And then.... Follow through with implementing your findings into your daily being and structure. Check in weekly to make sure the changes are actually happening and adjust as necessary.

With an intention, an open mind, and determination - you will find your way.

Enjoy the ups and downs. They are all part of your beautiful unfolding. Remember, without the downs, we wouldn't recognize the ups at all.

Love! Danielle Marie Crume

In Love and Clarity. www.ahamprema.com

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