The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.
– M. Scott Peck
I have often shared with my coaching clients that I have come to believe we are the most vulnerable when we are doing well. I have observed that when we are thriving in any given area in our lives, there is a very strong temptation to become complacent – I guess that this dynamic is simply a part of our flawed humanity. Additionally, life has a way of becoming very messy at times, often without any warning, whether we’re doing well or not.
Regardless of the cause, the trajectory in which we thought life was heading, can change on the proverbial dime! And none of us are spared these swings of fortune, which can manifest just about anywhere in our world, whether it’s Spiritual; Relational; Physical; Emotional; Mental; or Financial. But it is how we respond to these vicissitudes of life that define us; not how we behave when things are going well.
I often contemplate the many times during my journey when I was facing some sort of reversal or some crises, and how tremendous personal growth was always the offspring of those setbacks. Those times when I was elbow deep in the mire brought me closer to my Creator, who helped me to find solutions, and better ways of navigating life. And at a much deeper level than would have been possible when things were going well for me. And the “good news” is that our ability to navigate and solve problems becomes greatly enhanced, so much so that we can then offer our experience, strength, and hope to others who are grappling with life.
The best counsel I can dispense is that no matter how tough and tenacious you believe that you are, your own best thinking is horribly insufficient to solve difficult problems. We all need someone with wisdom born of experience, to offer us sound counsel and perspective. When we’re “in it,” we seldom realize the profound changes that are taking place “in us.” That reality was certainly true for me!
Today, especially if I’m struggling with life, I will remind myself that our greatest struggles always precede our greatest gains in personal growth and Spiritual maturity.
© John G. 2022
