July 14   

Today's quotation:

Above all, challenge yourself.  You may well surprise yourself at what strengths you have, what you can accomplish.

Cecile M. Springer

Today's Meditation:

Sometimes it can be difficult to step out of the easy and the ordinary.  Sometimes it can be daunting even to think of leaving our comfort zones and facing challenges in our lives.  But I've known many people who have faced great challenges through no choice of their own--through layoffs, for example--and who have discovered a resiliency and an ability to get by that has astonished them.  Not only have they gotten by, but they've thrived and now are happier than they ever were before.

And I believe they're happier in a large part because of the fact that they learned a lot about their own potential--a lesson they never would have learned if they hadn't been challenged in new and drastic ways.

Some people challenge themselves by taking college courses.  Others search for new work or try to improve themselves in their current work.  But everyone who challenges him or herself takes a risk and doesn't allow comfort to keep them from growing and learning and developing themselves.  And the potential benefits are huge--higher self-esteem, more money, more fulfillment at work or in a hobby.  And as you grow in happiness and fulfillment, you can share your growth with others and encourage them to step out of their own comfort zones simply by providing them with a positive role model.

So take the challenge.  Choose it wisely (no "get-rich-quick" schemes!) and then take it on with all that you have, allowing your strengths and abilities come to the surface and grow stronger as you meet each small challenge that's a part of the larger picture.  Surprise yourself and let yourself grow.  Be all that you were meant to be--a goal that can be reached only by stepping out of "comfortable" situations that keep us from growing.

Questions to consider:

What kinds of challenges are hardest for you to take on?

What strengths do you have that would help you to meet challenges?

Whom do you know who meets challenges well?  What kinds of strategies does that person use?

For further thought:

As we rise to meet the challenges that are a natural part of living, we awaken to our many undiscovered gifts, to our inner power and our purpose.

Susan L. Taylor

more thoughts and ideas on challenges

  

  

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