The Tribune

By Michelle M Miller

Sometimes we are so blinded by never-ending challenges that we unknowingly go through life with a foggy outlook. Then there are those breaking points, where every time we take one step forward we seem to take ten steps back.

These are the stories of life and we’ve all lived through these kinds of moments. Indeed, we’ve all walked the familiar streets of disappointment, loss, hurt and being a victim of our life circumstances.

Not only have we walked these various streets, many have chosen to make them their homes. They have convinced themselves that life is filled with too many potholes and they are unable to navigate.

What is sad about this truth is that after a while, this idea that they just can’t catch a break becomes their norm. Eventually, this resentful perception becomes the sound track of their life. And so from this vantage point the idea that life itself is against them is born.

Life could never stand against you. Even when you think you are at your lowest point, life stands beside you, nudging you to make a new choice.

As we move through the joy and pain of our lives, it is critical that we get our premise right by knowing the ingredients of our understanding. Define what you are standing on before declaring what you are standing for.

I have walked the familiar streets of pain and disappointment many times. I too have asked the proverbial question, why me? Not having the courage to face those challenges, I believed something was wrong with me. Until I learned to listen to my voice within, where I discovered who I really am and that everything is possible.

I recognised that it wasn’t the challenges I faced but what I believed about myself in the face of those challenges. I reset my life premise; knowing and believing that what I want also wants me. This truth is the bedrock of my progress. It has enabled me to move with courage, knowing that no matter the size of the challenges I face they are no match for the size of my faith. Life stands with me in support of my best intentions.

What about you? What do you believe about yourself and your life? The reality is you were not born to struggle through life disconnected and disengaged. You were born to thrive and experience your life as you demand it to be. This doesn’t mean that you won’t have challenges, but that you will face them with courage and confidence.

Too many people have bought into the misconception that life is somehow against them. They in turn react to this mistaken belief by standing against life. Whether real or imagined, you cannot win any battle against life. It is a certain path to self-destruction. You do not need to look out there for the power to repair your life. You are the power. If you are willing to get inside your life, you can shape it as you desire.

If you are in the midst of some difficulty, these words may seem empty. I respect that. However, what I want you to know is that life could never stand against you. No more than it could stand against the flowers or the birds. Life is your biggest fan. It is the source of all that you are and all that you can become.

The bigger point to consider here is that life supports our capacity to grow. We are growth-seeking beings. We are not meant to stay the same. Therefore, our experiences offer opportunities for us to struggle through the pain. In our struggles we begin to find our strengths.

Could you imagine life without any pain? Without pain, you would not know joy. Without this amazing contrast of life, how would you compare what you want from what you don’t want?

It is through the mess that we discover a life-altering message that leads us to our greatness. We learn to stand on our faith.

The truth is, despite the many misconceptions, life is an enormous storehouse of possibility, waiting to supply your every need. You must know what you believe. And even though you may blame life for the unpleasant situations you find yourself in, life still adores you. Everyday life offers you a new beginning, another chance to change and to choose again.

Stop looking out there to solve a problem that exists in here. Instead, find the courage and confidence to be honest with yourself. Soon, you will you begin to believe the glass of life is half-full rather than half empty.

As you accept that life is always on your side, you must also be on your own side. Stand up for yourself. Your life cannot change until you change yourself. Make today the day that you take the lead, knowing that life is on your side. It is constantly shaping itself to meet your greatest expectations.

Now is the perfect time to shift your life paradigm.

Please send your comments to coaching242@yahoo.com or 429-6770. Michelle M. Miller is a certified Life-Coach, Leadership Expert and Author of Take The Lead. She is the CEO of TTL Coaching Strategies and founder of the Girls Leadership Coaching Club.