Struggling To Grow?

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes.
Don't resist them;
that only creates sorrow.
Let reality be reality.
Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”
― Lao Tzu

Problem Solved...

Most of us struggle with a little thing called personal growth. After all, exactly what is that invisible force that can cause so much stress and frustration in our lives? If we break it down to its most simple form, the problem is called resistance. Resistance is like one of those State Fair Rides. You know…the one where you sit in something that resembles a slingshot and then get hurled towards space, only to be pulled back to Earth time and time again. Resistance is like that ride, trying to pull us back whenever we stray too far from the norm. Many people call this fear, which fits to some extent, but fear is a conscious choice whereas resistance is an unconscious process. You may not actually be able to see it, but you can certainly feel it when the time arises for it to show its power over us.

Resistance makes change difficult in any area of our lives where we want to advance. So, why is it so difficult to stick to a healthy diet, exercise regularly, or even get up and go to church on Sunday morning? It is challenging to change those negative habits and harmful behavior patterns? For me, this list seems to go on forever, and the answer is the same every time, resistance!

We need to learn to let go. Trust me; I have learned that by letting go I feel so much more liberated and available for what life has to offer. Here are just three small ways to let go and start living a more progressive and available lifestyle.

·         Let go of the CONTROL. Yes, I know, this seems almost impossible, but you can do it! When we choose to control too many things in our lives, we become preoccupied with hanging on to our own agenda. When we actually choose to let others make decisions in our lives we get to take a rest. Try it, let someone else drive the car for a while and see how it feels.·        

Then, let go of WANTING. Wanting is a condition where we replace life with stuff or circumstances. Instead of wanting, try living instead. When we focus on our wants, we simply create more of what we already have, unhappiness. Try this, instead of wanting place the main focus on being thankful instead. Whenever you find yourself saying “What I really want is…” STOP and think about the many things you are already thankful for instead.

·         Finally, TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT. Are you stuck in a rut? Do you find yourself doing the same things over and over again? Maybe it is as simple a driving the same way to work day in and day out. Instead of following the same path, try a new one, even if it takes you a little longer to get there. Maybe you eat the same thing every morning? Choose to make a change and give yourself a little variety. Why not experience all the things you have been missing? There are so many areas where we can get stuck. So stating today, find one place each week and make a change. Every small change makes a big difference in how we see our lives and ourselves. Making these small changes will help you become more comfortable with change. And feeling comfortable with change will indeed lessen your resistance to personal growth.

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!