How To Transform Life's Challenges Into Opportunities To Grow
- Nov 4, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 6, 2023
Written by: Mary Jacobs, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Let us face it: there is a significant shift of consciousness happening on the planet right now, which is showing up internally and externally. The "status quo" is being challenged, and things are heating up, literally and metaphorically. The more we try to resist change, the more challenging it becomes, and Humanity is at a monumental moment of choice. Are we ready to learn from our past and broaden our spiritual and intellectual horizons? Or are we prepared to repeat the cycle we find ourselves in until the lessons are learned? This article is offered in support of the former so that we may embrace the wisdom of the past as we expand our horizons.
Transforming obstacles into opportunities begins with our mindset. As we become curious and ask questions, we begin to understand the experience from different points of view. This ability to think critically, without emotional interference, is a skill set that gets easier with practice. As we master critical thinking, we can also see the part we play in every experience. This expanded view allows us to claim our empowerment and, therefore, make conscious choices that are healthy and beneficial overall.
Compassion and forgiveness are also important catalysts for growth. We begin with having compassion and forgiveness for Self, knowing that we have done the best we could with the consciousness we had at the time. As we honor the emotional body, we slow down and feel our experiences. When we honestly and fully embrace ourselves with love, we can hold that level of compassion and forgiveness for others.
Learning from the past is a process of releasing attachment to mental stories of how we think it 'should've, could've, would have been.' The past is the past, so first, give up all hope of a better one. Reliving the past is a habit worthy of breaking. And when broken, we can be present in the now and focus on where we are headed. Otherwise, we risk repeating the past continuously until enough is enough. Whenever we catch ourselves in a repetitive thought or action that is contrary to our wants, there is an opportunity to course correct. Celebrate these moments by acknowledging and redirecting our thoughts and actions; we are creating a new!
Relax into the knowing that happiness is an inside job and that it is no one else's responsibility to make us happy. Joy is our birthright, and it is a barometer of whether we are living in integrity with our truth. True joy is not dependent on outer circumstances or events. It is a state of being and a choice. At first, the mind will try to deny this truth and produce many excuses about why this is false. However, as we choose to move through any cognitive dissonance and release victim consciousness, we create spaciousness to experience, know, and genuinely live joy. We remember that life is a gift with its twists and turns, and we stop taking our journey so seriously. Have gratitude for each moment and build the momentum of joyful release into our co-created future! Take nothing for granted.
Exponential growth is generated through consistency and momentum. We may see the results later but have patience. The moment we have the urge to give up is usually when the miracle happens. Greatness is cultivated like a seed and, therefore, takes time to develop and mature. Do not give up on yourself and the life you deserve. As we as a collective and as individuals begin to take conscious steps towards our liberation from the past and co-create a better future, I leave us all to contemplate the poem by Marianne Williamson:
Our Greatest Fear
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of
God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
— Marianne Williamson
Mary Jacobs, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Mary Jacobs is an Avesa Quantum Healer, Minister of Self-Ascension and Intuitive Life Coach. During her personal journey of restoring her physical, emotional and mental health, Mary was intuitively guided to study and immerse herself into a variety of mystical teachings, practices and alternative healing modalities. Throughout the years, Mary has had the honor of traveling internationally, volunteering and leading groups of people from around the world to lift their consciousness and find their authenticity. She now shares her dedication to expanding consciousness through the skills and wisdom she’s attained, via her writings, podcast and 1-1 sessions.
