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/ .

The Real Spirit of Giving

"Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege."

~John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

The real spirit of giving lies in thinking of it as a privilege rather than a duty. When you give from your heart, with love and gratitude, you capture the true spirit of giving.

This week: As you approach the holidays, remember that giving is not a duty. Notice what happens to the stress of holiday shopping when you remember that giving is a privilege. Express your love and gratitude through giving, and leave the sense of duty and "I have to" behind.

Linda Pucci, Ph.D. is a psychologist and life coach at Inner Resource Center, LLC in Maryville, TN. She helps people live more meaningful and authentic lives by assisting them in getting rid of limiting beliefs and negative emotions from their past experiences--what she calls "emotional clutter." Get challenges for better living in Inner Resources at http://www.innerresourcecenter.com/ .

Give Thanks for Unknown Blessings

We give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way.

~Ritual chant

I love this idea of giving thanks not just for what you already have, but for all the blessings that you may not currently know about--they may not have happened yet. I think when you send this sort of gratitude into the universe, it attracts powerful blessings. And it imbues you with gratitude and love of life.

This week: Practice giving thanks for unknown blessings. Let the uncertainty be filled with the certainty that blessings are on the way, you just may not know what they are yet. Celebrate the true meaning of Thanksgiving Day.

Linda Pucci, Ph.D. is a psychologist, life coach and expert in helping people let go of "emotional clutter"--those negative emotions and limiting beliefs that block you from being able to receive those blessings. As a way of saying "thank you," she is giving away a copy of her new e-book, Get Rid of Emotional Clutter: How Negative Emotions and Limiting Beliefs Block Your Dreams and What to Do About It. Download your copy at http://www.InnerResourceCenter.com/ebook.html