One of my favorite spiritual teachers was Warren Litzman; his constant reminder was that life is a schoolhouse. When you’re unhappy with a situation in your life, he suggested asking, “What am I learning during this time?” That question either irritates the heck out of you, or you are a person that is always looking for an opportunity to grow. Another author, William Bridges, wrote a book called Transitions: Embracing Life’s Most Difficult Moments. Although his audience was primarily focused on business and career transitions, his advice applies to all of us, especially in the current times. He says, “Life runs a perfect curriculum…If you miss offerings this year, you can catch them next year. Again and again, it offers a correspondence course in letting go: Introductory Letting Go, Intermediate, and Advanced Letting Go.” We are always faced with letting go of what we currently believe and moving forward to an enlarged understanding.
Are you a person that embraces personal growth, enlightenment and change? I guess I take that for granted. I’ve had to change my mind many times, but I count that as growth. Are you a reader, student or traveler? Do you look for new relationships, experiences, and new information to see the world with different eyes? When you are up against a difficult time, do you consider it might be an opportunity to emerge a better person? Litzman said in his schoolhouse analogy, “How many times do you want to do third grade?” When you’re unwilling to accept change, you may keep running into the same lessons. In my work with Seniors, I met a handful of people who refused change, and they were angry and bitter. I also met those that were life long learners and enthusiastic about life. I learned quickly who I wanted to emulate! The life transitions that we face today are challenging, but at the same time they are amazing opportunities to grow, change, and become better people. I don’t know about you, but I would prefer not to go through this again. I want to learn all I can this time around. Find my new book Daily Cures, Wisdom for Healthy Aging at www.justnowoldenough.com.
