Bad will come. It will. Life I’m sure has made that more than apparent. But bad is not all that there is to be had. Ever. It may look like that’s all to be found. It may look like bad is all that you can see for miles around but fortunately that is a matter of perspective and perspective is a power that we can wield. The symbol of yin and yang illustrates the point that - Just as there is no light without darkness. There is no bad without good. Be aware: Good here, is not to be confused with preference or ideal. One definition of “Good” is something with “benefit or advantage to someone or something.” Whether that be a lesson learned, an opportunity for further calibration, identifying the next hurdle or step in your development and pursuit of fulfilment, etc….what we are able to draw out of our experiences in support of our progress forward is good and it is valuable. So, if you find yourself in a bad place, a bad moment or struggling to see the good… First, remember that the good is there. It might be out of view from your current perspective but it is there. Just like the light that is always present at the edge of the darkness. Then practice these steps… 1. Acknowledge whatever you perceive as the source of your negative state/experience. Don’t judge, or censor…simply honor the validity of your feelings and your experience. 2. Engage with the nuances of the experience connected to your negative state. What are the circumstances, concerns, catalysts, consequences and impact of the experience. Again, no blame or judgement here! 3. Re-frame the meaning and significance of the experience. Ask yourself: “What can I take away from this experience that might help me get better at pursuing a more fulfilled state and purposeful experiences? Note: It is often helpful to consider… How it came to be? How it makes me feel And/or how it impacts the way you interpret the world/moments? 4. Celebrate living through the experience. You made it through. You have added the experiential knowledge to your system. That is part of life and part of becoming and we must take and learn how to do that day by day, moment by moment. Don’t judge it. Enjoy the ride and don’t miss out on the good that might be waiting at the beginning of your expanded awareness. Lastly, don’t let difficult moments go by without asking yourself… “Did I take time to see the good? It’s there. Somewhere. So, give yourself permission to find it and hold on to it. It’s crucial because success is in the balance.
Be Good. Be Great. Be You.
Thanks again for a timely and thought provoking experience!!! I appreciate the balancing process you have putlined... And, an opportunity to think about reframing the proverbial notions of "good" and "bad". Particularly, as a mindset that promotes pathways to success.
Absolutely! So much power over the quality of our experiences when we wield that power to choose with empowered intention.
Yes! Choosing to see only good or bad is a choice. Sometimes a difficult one, but always an essential one.