As a life coach, I am often asked what the most potent instigator of change is. My answer is that, bar none, there is no more powerful agent of transformation than when life sends you a wake up call so loud and so powerful that you are literally stopped in your tracks. The call might come in the form of an illness, an injury, a lay-off, or a break-up. At first it is impossible to consider these events as anything but catastrophic, yet as time goes on we can choose to view them as great catalysts of transformation.
I have seen this dramatically evident in my own life. For the most part I entered August on a fairly balanced life path. Loved my clients, had fabulous relationships, and a wonderful work environment. Every day was filled with vibrant interesting people and I felt incredible excitement and contentment.
As many of you may know, I have chronic migraines that have been steadily worsening as I approach menopause. For the last several months, I had planned to take off the month of August for some much needed rest and relaxation and to renew my exercise and meditation practice. As August rolled around, I chose to take on some exciting new clients instead of the time off.
On August 1, I decided that I would like to rearrange the living room. I was so excited about the new layout that I began to move the heavy furniture by myself. You probably know what is coming! By the time I had finished moving the sofa, my back was really aching. Little did I know that 6 weeks later I would be at physical therapy twice a week, unable to drive, sit for long periods and for the most part unable to work. Hello! I am taking the month of August and most of September off anyway. The only difference is that the universe chose to honor my request for time off rather my choosing it intentionally.
In the time that I have been off work, my priorities have radically been reordered. I use my daily stretching time in combination with meditation. My self care now includes a daily leisurely walk. I have even arranged my work schedule to include some much needed breaks between clients. My husband and I have had long talks about our future, gotten our finances in better order and are even out looking at houses in a new area that we might both love.
So, I share this personal story with you in the hopes that you might embrace the incredible gifts of transformation in your misfortunes. I no longer think of my injury as a pain in my back but rather a much needed kick in my butt!!
