With the right (positive) mindset I believe its possible to find opportunity in almost all our life challenges.
Of course, some of these opportunities are disguised very well and we often need to dig a little deeper to find them. This isn’t always an easy process. First of all, we have to identify the challenge we are facing and understand how we might solve the issue at hand and turn it around into an opportunity.
Life is hard… we all face many challenges – some harder than others but they are all challenges, nevertheless. It might be an upcoming job interview you are concerned about, problems at work, negativity in your family or friendship circle. You may struggle asking for help, have low self-esteem or problems with your kids or in a relationship(s). Whatever the issue might be, if you acknowledge and understand it you are halfway there to a positive resolution and in most cases a new opportunity. Overcoming these challenges can provide you with a new perspective and can create new life experiences that can foster growth.
Personally, I have had many challenges to overcome in my life. My health issues are a constant challenge, but they are what lead me to yoga. Now, yoga helps me manage my life challenges and has helped shape me into the person I am today. If you asked me a few years ago if I even imagined being a yoga teacher the answer would have been a resounding no. Yoga wasn’t for me, I didn’t understand it or how it could benefit me I just wish I had been more open minded when I was younger. If I had I could of started benefiting from yoga a long time ago.
Unfortunately, there is no ‘cure’ for my autoimmune diseases but yoga and a good balance in life has allowed me to deal with my health in a more manageable, accepting, loving and controlled way.
I understood that I was facing quite a serious challenge and I changed my lifestyle to help restore some balance. Being able to accept and understand my challenges has given me the opportunity to become a yoga instructor and I absolutely love it. I have learnt and continue to learn so much. I feel like I keep on blossoming. Finding yoga is one of the best things I have done in my life.
Moving and living abroad also brought about many new challenges but it has given me the opportunity to learn a new language, live in a more peaceful environment and allowed me to raise my kids in a safer place. The Portuguese language is not easy but the opportunity arose and now I can happily say I can speak another language, which is a great achievement in itself. I’m not perfect, or completely fluent but I try hard and I am proud of what I have achieved.
The challenges in my life have led me to embrace new positive emotions and a more positive mindset. I am more motivated and less worried about what people think of me. I have not only grown as a teacher but as a person. I found an opportunity that allowed me to love me for who I am.
We will always face challenges in life, and I regret is not seeing an opportunity in all of mine. We must remember that challenges exist and they will always be there, it’s how we deal with them that matters.