what is this teaching me?

Note: This post was originally written on LinkedIn November 12, 2018

I saw a post online recently that said this: “Instead of asking yourself, ‘Why is this happening to me?’, ask yourself, ‘What is this teaching me?’”

So, for the past few weeks I’ve been asking myself this question.

When I’m angry or annoyed by a person or situation, I ask myself – what can I appreciate about this? And I have to say – what a difference this has made on me, and my own personal growth!

For Thanksgiving, I spent some time around family that I don’t normally interact with, and one person in particular ALWAYS rubs me the wrong way. You know the type – super self-absorbed, loves money, must look good at all times, has an air of constant judgement for others. I get so annoyed by people like this. “They’re so self-righteous,” I told my husband. “They’re so rude, and unsympathetic to others. I can’t stand how conceited they are.”

After venting about this person to my husband for a few minutes, I stopped myself and asked, “But what can I appreciate about this person? What’s the lesson for me here?”. I thought about it and realized that this person was also extremely intelligent, and a very, very hard worker. Almost all of their time is spent working and helping others. And what’s wrong with caring about the way you look, and putting attention and detail into how you present yourself? What’s wrong with speaking your opinion and being confident in that? Those are great qualities to have! I felt so much lighter after practicing some gratitude for them, and then placing some of that attention on myself.

How could I start incorporating these qualities into my own life? What can I change to start injecting more passion into my work?

How can I speak up for myself more often?  

What would it feel like to pay more attention to my outward appearance?

It felt like I was opening my eyes as I took the time to note why I was having such a strong reaction to this person. The past week I’ve been much more vocal at work; speaking up and sharing my opinion without fear of offending or even being wrong. I’ve spent a little more time in the mornings on picking out my clothes and shoes and trying to match my outward appearance with my newfound confidence in myself. I’ve been much more productive at work and improved my communication game with the people around me.  And I’ve also been standing up for myself more often. What a difference this has made on me!  I feel like I’ve tapped into an inner power that I allowed to be dormant for a very long time.

Moving through life with blinders on is no longer acceptable; letting life happen to me, and not playing an active role in how I’m perceiving everything around me and my response to it feels boring and unproductive. Trying to find the good in all of life’s lessons is helping me to truly appreciate MYSELF, and live life with exuberance, a sense of growth, and a fresh perspective.

How can you start doing this in your own life?

Where do you need appreciation the most?

What lessons are you missing that will make you feel lighter, happier and more in-tune with yourself?

Try this out and explore! #Motivation #Positivity #Growth #Coaching #SelfLove