Struggling leads to feeling grateful. How do I know?
It's that time of year when you're more likely to think about and reflect on what you're grateful for.
When things are going well in your life, you're probably less likely to stop and reflect on what you're grateful for. Things are good and you don't want to interrupt that.
But when you have been struggling in life, have you ever found that your struggles have led you to some kind of personal growth? Your struggles point you in the direction that you needed to go or taught you what you needed to know. Then the struggle was over.
Personally, I have found that when I'm struggling in life there is always something good that comes as a result of that. The good comes as a result of the struggle. If I resist the struggle it persists and I miss the message and the lesson.
For example, last month I talked about being in limbo in my September blog. I was waiting for my house to sell and not liking that part of the process. I was struggling with things that were not within my control. When are they coming, when will they buy, why do they dislike what I like most about my house (hint: the unique back yard)...
I struggled with feeling impatient. I had doubt that it would happen soon enough or that it would even happen at all. I had visions of my house sitting vacant over the winter.
How did my struggle lead to me feeling grateful?
Lesson #1
Probably not a big surprise, I used my favorite technique - EFT (tapping) and applied it to my doubts and fears. To learn about EFT see my July 13, 2016 Blog: Want to know my favorite technique?
I researched a bit about the Law of Attraction (LOA) because I was frustrated that what I wanted wasn't happening. I wanted to do what I could to change that. The LOA is a law that says what we believe attracts what we draw into our life. It's all about energy - negative or positive. If I fear that no one will buy my house, that's what I attract.
I dug a little deeper and found two great resources on YouTube - Brad Yates and Nick Breau. They have short tapping videos on the LOA. I began to practice these. If you join my Newsletter, I will show you these video clips and you can apply them to your own situation as I did.
In mid-September, I set an intention that I wanted my house to sell by the end of September and I worked on clearing out any doubt about that. By voicing the truth about my fears (that it won't happen) while tapping on the meridian points, this actually calms the brain (amygdala). When the brain is calm, it feels safe. When the brain senses that it is safe, unfounded fears and negative energy is released. This changes the energy in the body.
FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real
So I tapped every morning because that's when the FEAR starts yapping and any other time during the day when I had any doubts.
Guess what happened!
A random person stopped by the house in the evening on the last day of September and wanted to view our house within 15 minutes. He and his realtor were actually outside our house in the car. I had a feeling "this is it!"
And it was! An offer was made and played out just like I hoped it would. I just had to clear out any doubts and fears (e.g., resistance) that what I wanted would not happen.
So my struggle led to learning new ways to use EFT and combining it with the LOA. In doing so, I attracted to me exactly what I was hoping for (and not what I feared). I feel very grateful for this new learning.
Lesson #2
Another struggle - while packing, I tried to do too much - like lifting too much - and I ended up with a sprained arm. Not once, but twice. Ouch! I usually don't have to worry about my physical health because I am a regular exerciser and stay healthy.
So I felt very grateful when the arm pain subsided. I felt grateful to have an arm that worked again. Did I think about the use of my arm before? No, not at all. Now, I am grateful for a fully functioning arm and I am more mindful of what I should and should not do with that arm.
I feel grateful for family and friends who helped us prepare for our move. I know their lives are very busy and I'm pretty sure that no one likes to move. Your generosity is truly appreciated!
I also feel grateful for all of the people who read my Blog and subscribed to my Therapy Newsletter. I started this Blog one year ago and this is the last Blog I will write in my Sherwood Park office. The next time you read my Blog or Newsletter, I will be writing it in my brand new Stony Plain office.
It has been a struggle going through this moving process - not only moving a home but moving a business. I am grateful that I trust my instincts on making this kind of (big) decision. It doesn't mean I don't have doubts at times, but that's where EFT helps me get back on track. I am grateful this is happening and very excited about what's to come.
Lastly, I am grateful for the clients I have seen in my Sherwood Park office. I feel privileged to be a part of your lives and emotional recovery. I look forward to reconnecting in a new community and continuing this meaningful work.
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Hi! I'm Beth Matthews. I'm a Registered Psychologist who is driven to helping people feel better about themselves. I help people who are struggling in their lives gain an awareness of how they can cope with anything that comes their way. With my easy-to-use strategies, you can feel better and be your best you!
matthews77@shaw.ca
780-721-9157
thepsychologysite.org
