Adversity Shapes Us

"We all have to go through the tumbler a few times before we can emerge as a crystal."

~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Going through the ups and downs that life brings you may not be the most fun thing to do, but it shapes you, polishes you, and turns you into the gem that you are capable of becoming. Those hard adversities allow you to appreciate what is most important in your life. They help you understand, claim and enforce your boundaries--the guidelines you set up about how you demand to be treated. They help you learn what resources you have inside you, and what resources others can offer to help you get through those hard times. Maybe most importantly, they teach you about yourself and your strengths and capabilities. In spite of how hard it might be, you can survive. You have survived.

This week: Review the adversities you have encountered in your life so far. Examine how you handled them. What was most important for you? What did you learn about yourself? How did it shape who you are right now? What strengths did you develop as a result? Express gratitude for all you gained from those experiences. Honor yourself for getting through it.

Linda Pucci, Ph.D. is a psychologist, life coach and expert in helping people find the resources they need to transform their lives. She specializes in helping people let go of "emotional clutter"--those negative emotions and limiting beliefs we sometimes stockpile from past experiences. For more information and free resources go to http://www.innerresourcecenter.com/ or visit http://www.emotionalclutter.com/ .