It is a strong cultural habit of thought to complain when some event occurs that we very much do not want: serious injury, death of a loved one, a job that does not come through and more. That habit might include, “Poor Me!”
Readers of this blog reach to replace that habit with clearer thinking and with positive attitude. Such events offer us opportunity. As Darren Weissman, author of The Power of Infinite Love and Gratitude, calls it, “Gifts in Strange Wrappings.”
We could begin to notice how some of the unwanted occurrences in our lives birthed unforeseen advantages. How we perceive the “bad” things, how we choose to react shapes our lives in such profound and astonishing ways.
Here are some dramatic illustrations
- Caroline Myss, internationally known spiritual teacher and author, tells this compelling story. A woman (call her Lana) went off a steep embankment in her car, a horrible accident. To save her life she experienced amputations below the knee on both legs. Lana had loved to run and she wanted to run again. Determined to run again, she experimented with artificial legs. L discovered the ones available did not allow her to propel herself in an optimum way. Undeterred, she designed her own artificial limb– apparently in the shape of a question mark which provided more spring for steps. Years later in response to a press question, this valiant soul commented on her car wreck. “Before the accident, I never inspired anyone. Now I do. I really value being inspiring.”
- James was seriously injured in the 2013 bombing at the end of the Boston Marathon. Sent to rehab, he healed there for months. There he met a nurse with whom he became friends. When he healed, they courted and then they married. He is quoted as saying, “I am actually glad I got blown up.” https://www.huffpost.com/entry/boston-victim-marries-nurse_n_5718501?1409144598=
3. Gianna experienced a break up of a romantic partnership which had spanned 27 years. As it was happening and for a time afterwards, the ending seemed like a horrible tragedy. This protagonist felt unplugged from connections and thrown down on the mat of life. In those early months after the separation, she had no idea what could come out of this heartbreak.
As G’s life unfolded, in less than two years’ time Gianna was creating a new life, moving to a new state and beginning a next chapter. This dear woman got busy learning how to be lift her mood moment by moment and before too long Gianna felt happier than she ever had imagined being.
Key was a shift in attitude, grabbing the freedom, allowing the juice from the pain to catapult her to an unforeseen adventure.
- Goodnewsnetwork put forth a piece entitled “Something Good Always Comes Out of Something Bad.” Its author, a mother, widowed, kept quotes from her daughter in the years after the father’s death, words about how the daughter saw things. Using that material this star, Eileen Douglas, wrote and published a children’s book entitled “Rachel and the Upside Down Heart”. In the piece she goes on to include accounts of how this book helped other children heal from great losses. Ms. Douglas conveys beautifully the essence of the point of this blog post. Read it here:_ http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/upside-down-heart/.
- Spencer Quinn has written novels featuring Chet and Bernie in which a man and dog make an effective detective team and the canine narrates the story. Chet, the dog, recounts the way he flunked out of canine school, apparently with an unfortunate incident involving a cat. Mingled with his regret, this wise animal understands that out of those circumstances resulted meeting Bernie, his current master and partner, and realizes the huge positive life change that flowed for this “tragedy.”
Do you keep inspiring stories such as these handy for yourself? From published accounts, those of friends and some from your own life? Please comment and share some! Doesn’t it feel wonderful to inspire one another?
Collaboration with Readers
The author wants to respond to concerns and questions from readers. Do you have a circumstance about which you could use a hand shifting your point of view? Please comment with your suggestion or question. Together we are creating a more satisfying journey! Really please ask for what you would like to know to shift your thinking!
About the Author
Janet Pearlman is a spiritual teacher, counselor, healer and artist. These posts demonstrate everyday applications of the path to greater self knowledge and mastery. Opportunities for greater empowerment abound in the moments of our lives. As we all go for operating from a centered and loving space, we are creating a world where peace can prevail. In her forty-six year journey of self-discovery, Janet has deeply studied the teachings of Abraham-Hicks, Ernest Holmes, Inayat Khan and more. Janet offers individual sessions by phone and in person. Please contact her at jpearl555@earthink.net to arrange an appointment.