Challenge or opportunity
Gratitude as Motivator for change, a love letter
Ok, so you got a lousy diagnosis (I did)*. Darn it! Damn it!
This was not part of the plan. OK, deal with it. Do what you
have to do. Ask questions. Have tests. Have consultations. Have
second opinions. Have surgery. Recover. Get on with it.
Whether relaxing at the world class spa resort having had a
massage, facial, delicious meal served pool side or sitting in
the radiologist's office awaiting results of the third round of
x rays, it is possible to direct your thinking to greet each
challenge as an opening. Yes, you can. It's a version of saying
yes to it all and being willing to understand that within every
situation, even the challenging ones, exists an opportunity. I
love knowing that. I didn't know it all my life and it is truly
life changing to be able to be in touch with the power to use
gratitude as a motivator for change. Yes, it is power.
Are you feeling like a victim? Are you enriched by your
opportunities? Are you willing to take time such as a visit to a
spa to ponder and relax and be open for possibilities?
The spa experience is ideal for generating new and delicious
possibilities. Whether you travel to one of the popular, well
known spa locations, or create a spa like setting in your own
garden, you can benefit from setting that time and space aside
to review how it is with your world and what you'd like to
change. Consider the possibilities even if your budget is
limited: >Getaway Package (you turn off the ringer on your
phone) >Aromatherapy Massage (sit in the sun with your favorite
lotion) >European Facial (maybe you could try that mask that's
been in the drawer) >Spa Manicure (take turns with a friend or
splurge and make an appointment) >Spa Pedicure (a really special
treat, include a soak while you read something uplifting or
inspiring) >Spa Gift (make an i.o.u. and begin to save spare
change to treat yourself later)
And, if cash is flowing, consider this option: Eco-spas are set
in a natural or protected area and have a major commitment to
incorporating environmentally friendly practices such as organic
gardening, water conservation, and ecological building design.
They encourage sensitivity to the natural environment and
wildlife through education of spa-goers, and may also promote
the well being of local people and culture by preserving
indigenous healing traditions and ingredients. Thus you'd
combine travel and education along with your spa experience.
In addition to a variety of spa options, there are many, many
ways to view any situation or fact or incident. I say, choose
gratitude. Yes, regardless of the challenge, it is possible to
build new muscles while handling it and become stronger in the
process. I wish it for you! Please see the resource box below if
you*d like to have a coaching conversation about the
possibilities. Love, Leslie
*(the result of that diagnosis is a book entitled, The
Not-so-Scary Breast Cancer Book, a companion to the earlier self
helpful Have You Ever Been A Child? and Private Keep Out!, all
at amazon.com)