Introduction

Dr. Dwayne Dyer once said, “Anything that keeps you from growing is never worth defending.”   Progress is impossible without change.  For example, if you’re stuck in the same routine, sticking to what you know, or not venturing beyond your comfort zone, then you’re limiting your growth and restricting your exposure to other possibilities in life.  Additionally, if you want to change your current circumstance, or move forward in life, you have to accept change.  Furthermore, to maximize self-growth, it is equally important to take a fearless inventory of yourself by examining the blind spots in your nature and recognizing potential sources of trouble that are limiting your growth.  Everybody has strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and the more you know about yourself the more that you can maneuver in life’s threatening and competitive landscape.  Life is not a static existence, and with the rapid changes in the world we live in today, it is more crucial than ever to be flexible and learn how to adapt in order to keep pushing forward toward our goals. Herodotus once said, “The only constant is change.” Everything in life is subject to transformation, and adaptation to change is necessary for both survival and growth.  Additionally, most things, by nature,  has a life cycle that sends a ripple effect through the universe, even man-made products.  A flower begins as a seed, eventually blooming and providing pollen for bees, which they transport to trees to facilitate the growth of fruit that ultimately nourishes humanity.  While all parties involved in nature’s fruiting process undergo a seamless transformation, it is curious that humans, for some inexplicable reason, hesitate to release the past and embrace a transformative journey forward.  On that note, I am sharing with you a personal note about the ups and downs in life, opportunities that are found in challenges, and my free gratitude exercise with you.

 

 

A Personal Note About the Ups and Downs in Life

The other day, while spending time with my cousin, he made a profound statement to a crowd, saying, “You don’t recognize life lessons as you’re going through them.” Initially, moments of hardship often bring about feelings of pain, confusion, a lack of direction, and even hopelessness. However, upon reflection, these challenging experiences frequently turn out to be our most influential teachers, imparting invaluable wisdom and resilience that can significantly shape our future. Additionally, times of despair can serve as a gateway to new life journeys, introducing us to individuals who can propel us to greater heights and facilitate remarkable achievements. It’s in these trials and tribulations that genuine transformation takes place, making adversity an indispensable catalyst for personal growth. To put it simply, transformation occurs in the midst of struggle. As Rick Warren aptly put it, “Transformation is a process, and as life unfolds, there are numerous ups and downs. It’s a journey of self-discovery, with moments on mountaintops and moments in the depths of despair.”  Personal transformation is an ongoing, gradual journey that spans one’s lifetime and is marked by a series of highs and lows, much like the varied terrain of a landscape.

The Way Out Is The Way Through

Winston Churchill once said, “The way out is the way through.”  When we face challenges head-on and consistently work through them, things tend to get easier over time. The phrase “The way out is the way through” emphasizes that by consistently confronting and dealing with difficulties, we can develop the skills, resilience, and understanding needed to make future challenges more manageable. Consistency in our efforts can lead to increased mastery and a smoother path forward.  Dwayne The Rock Johnson once mentioned that success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.”  In my yoga journey I’m not seeking praise, approval, or greatness, I am merely trying to use yoga as medicine to survive.  Having said that, I am sharing the power of being kind to yourself, greeting life with gratitude, and allowing life to take the steering wheel, which are three things that I learned this week about the way out is the way through.

 

 

Greet Life With Gratitude

Nikki Giovanni said, “Life is not a problem, it is a process.”  Only continued vigilance will allow us to hold on to our freedom.” Everybody, whether in therapy or not, needs to work hard and fight for what we want. This TBI is a journey for the patient, caregivers, and families and it is very important that we spend time doing things we enjoy, disconnect, from social pressure, and be kind to ourselves.  Having said that, something I learned about being kind to myself, after being defeated by my physical therapist last week, was to greet life with gratitude. 

 

 

My Free Gratitude Exercises for You

• Call a family member, or friend, and share with each other two things that you are thankful for.

• Publicly declare, Facebook post, text, tell a random stranger, whatever it takes to share something you feel lucky for in your life.  

• Express genuine respect towards someone who deserves more appreciation from you.

• Focus on whatever it is that makes you feel lucky in life and think of every moment as a new beginning.  This will train the brain to focus on the love and pleasant experiences in life.