Same Lesson - New Chapter

Years ago when I was still working in the business world I had this horrific boss - she did everything in her power to undermine me and cause me to feel stressed and frustrated.  Finally I called the church I was then attending and asked if they had any counselors on staff. The pastor recommended this wonderful woman who helped me to see my part in why this was happening to me.  I only saw her for a few times before it became apparent to me that the only way for me to feel good about my work was to find a job where I was doing the work I was here to do using my gifts and talents and one where I was respected and valued by those I reported to as well as those I worked with.  Within a short time I had that kind of job and I always thought of her as a miracle worker.  At the same time I remembered something she said to me and it has helped me in many other life challenges along the way.  She said, " You know Lorraine, as soon as you get this lesson these kinds of people will quit showing up in your life."  She told me that difficult people and difficult situations come into our lives to teach us something and it is our job to figure out what that is.  She called this life lessons and let me know that I would continue to attract this lesson, in the form of these kinds of people, until I had learned whatever this lesson was for me.

Figure Out the Lesson - It's all ABout You

So I figured out that I needed to respect and value myself first and foremost and look for indications from new jobs and new friends along the way that they agreed with me or that they didn't.  I thought I was done with this lesson and then one day a new challenge showed up.  But it was different - it wasn't about mean and nasty bosses or difficult friends - it was a whole different situation.  That's when I remember her also saying, "By the way, these lessons come in many disguises and many different situations, but they all have a common theme and a common denominator and that is you and what is it that you need to learn."

Yes, But...

This happens a lot with my therapy practice - it comes in the form of Yes, but...it's not their fault, it's just that this or that person or situation is in the way of whatever it is that they want or need to have happen so they will be happy and satisfied with life.  But life is about learning and growing not just having a life of pleasure and comfort.  It's like the old quote from Robert Browning, "Your reach should exceed your grasp or what's a heaven for."  So I ask you today, what chapter are you on in the book of you?  What lesson are you working on?  What challenge are you now facing that is about something you need to learn?

Examine Old Lessons for Clues to The New Lesson 

A good way to do this is to go back to some old lesson, one that you feel you learned and is at least five years old and see what you think the core lesson was and ask yourself, "What is in my current situation that is similar and that is testing me again? and what did I learn then that I can apply now to this new challenge?"

Ask for Help If You Feel You Need it - I Did

But if you feel stumped, as I did back years ago, then ask for some help.  Maybe you too need a "miracle worker" to help you.  But remember, "Oz never did gave the Tin Man anything he didn't already have."  All the miracle worker does is shine the light on what's already there waiting to be discovered.  I can help you discover that.

Blessings, Lorraine