I am almost 100% certain, that you, like me, have done this before.
And rather than me doing the big build up thing, let’s jump immediately into today’s topic.
But just to make sure of my “almost 100% certain” assumption, let me ask you this.
Have you EVER labelled an event – at the time – as “BAD”, only to find out at a future date that it was probably one of the best things to ever happen to you?
I am guessing you have.
We all have.
The next thing I am curious about is…
Exactly how many times do you think this has happened to you?
Once?
A few times?
Or if you really think about it…a LOT!
For me, when I really drop into all of the crappy things that have happened in my life, that seemed REALLY BAD at the time, it is actually the “MAJORITY” of events that have ended up with a positive outcome.
Let me share some examples from my life:
1. Disastrous and painful split-up from first long-term relationship. OUTCOME: Wanting to get as far away from my Ex as possible, it caused me to overcome my fear of travelling overseas by myself, and set up an adventurous and captivating life of roaming the planet.
2. Failing my academics at University (a BSc). OUTCOME: I studied later in life, and actually chose subjects I was actually interested in like HR, Marketing, Psychology, and Event Management; so had no problem passing the exams and getting a Degree.
3. My first business venture and investment in Bali tanked and I lost about US$ 58,000. OUTCOME: I learned so much, and wised-up so much, that my next business venture was very successful, and allowed me to generate the money to buy a house in Bali.
4. I got dumped from a relationship I was heavily invested in (2007). OUTCOME: It opened me up emotionally and psychologically to the possibility of a long-term relationship, and the following year I met Ferry, whom I have been with since 2008.
So, my point is this.
How many times have you had the experience of something that you thought was really sh#t at the time, actually turn out to be a future game-changer, and a huge positive?
Therefore…
How about we keep a part of our mind – while we are going through some really crappy experience – aware of the idea that THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THAT IN THE FUTURE THIS “BAD” THING WILL TURN OUT TO BE JUST WHAT WE NEEDED.
It requires a powerful and well exercised mind.
So…
Keep up with your meditation and mindfulness exercises.
Cut back on the brain-poor stuff served up on the internet.
(Also don’t let your mind atrophy by an overdependence on old matey AI).
The Message…
IF on many occasions in your past, what seemed BAD turned out to be a GOOD thing; THEN are you able to sit with that possibility, while you are in the middle of a physical, emotional, psychological or spiritual “storm”?
Maybe you select a mantra like: “This too will pass” or “I wonder what opportunity this will open up for me?” or even “How can I use this to my best advantage?“
(A question will fire up the Prefrontal Cortex of the brain).
You might also like to add into the mix…”Life is for me, and not against me. Life is my business partner in success.“
In Summary
All of us have plenty of experiences, where what we thought was a NEGATIVE turned out to be a POSITIVE.
If this happens often, can we – while going through a tough time – be open to the idea that at a future point in time, this might turn out to be the very best thing that has ever happened for us.
By knowing of a future possible positive outcome, we might find more ability to deal the thing we are facing now.
My Parting Words
I often talk about the benefits of mindfulness practices to increase our Conscious Awareness.
The other thing that exercising the mind does (through practices like meditation) is that it makes the mind more powerful.
When the mind is more powerful it is less reactive.
It is more responsive to what you want.
It is able to hold a number of different concepts or ideas in mind, without melting down.
It can hold the IDEA that even though I am going through some crap, there is a better than 50% chance this will become a positive in the future.
Just holding that idea (of future possibility) creates a specific positive response for the autonomic nervous system.
It causes the brain to remain coherent.
For useful thoughts to be generated.
To actually move out of the “crappy” experience more quickly, and move towards your desired outcome more quickly.
So, as well as the message about trusting the reality of your experience on earth so far (i.e. most things work out pretty good in the end), I encourage you to build the capacity of your mind through mindfulness activities.
A simple one being sitting still for 5-10 minutes, with your eyes closed, breathing equal length in-breath and out-breath, and just observing the breath and its relationship to your mind.
So, when would now, be a good time to take a 5-min reflective and peaceful break?
Peace out.
Have a superlative day, and a week of open-mindedness to the wonders of life.
Take care.
Carl
Quotable QUOTE:
“Life is for me, and not against me. Life is my business partner in success.” Carl Massy
(Author of 18 Ways We Make Life WAY Harder Than It Needs To Be)
PS: Have you read or listened to this book yet? 18 Ways We Make Life WAY Harder Than It Needs To Be
