Challenges are Opportunities for Growth
Four years ago we were living across the country, expanding our family in a cramped 1-bedroom apartment with two babies and two fur-babies — all living on top of each other as we tried to save for our future. Little did we know that within two months we’d find ourselves both unemployed, our lives turned upside down, and our savings quickly dwindling toward zero! Now I sit here in my sunroom enjoying the summer evening thunderstorm, reflecting on how grateful I am — for the challenges that we endured and the blessings that came with them. Gifts don’t always come wrapped in pretty bows.
I wrote that three years ago. Now I find myself sitting in the same room (my favorite room) on this beautiful rainy mild January night, feeling grateful once again for my surroundings and for all the lessons that the Universe threw at me. It certainly did throw some doozies! But they shaped the person that I am today. The girl that dreams big, loves deeply, keeps going through adversity, and discovered that she’s capable of more than she ever dreamed possible.
It’s important to take moments to pause and reflect on your journey. To honor the ups and downs and all the blessings in your life – even the challenging ones, because they’re the real opportunities for growth.
The rain has a subtle way of slowing us down and forcing us to take notice. It’s a life-giving force that represents transformation, reflection and rebirth. To quote Eddie Rabbitt — “I love a rainy night!” It helps me stop and feel grateful for this moment that I get to live. Closing my eyes and listening to the sound of the rain through the trees and down the gutter is heavenly. I appreciate being able to hear that sound. The calm, the quiet, the pitter-patter of rain drops. It’s a great opportunity to practice mindfulness.
Pluviophile: a lover of rain; someone who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days.
Mindfulness Moments
If it’s raining where you are right now, then take a seat by an open window or better yet, go sit outside! Enjoy the sound of the rain, or feel it on your face! Have a moment of gratitude for that gift because there are areas around the globe that are desperate for it. And there are some people that aren’t able to hear the sound of rain at all.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath in and a slow relaxing breath out. Feel the cool air hit the tip of your nose as you breathe in through your nostrils. Feel the warmth of the air that leaves the back of your throat. Then, focus on what you hear and just listen… to the stillness, to your breath, to the sound of rain. To the smells of nature, as well! Mother nature is a great teacher of mindfulness.
If it’s not raining where you are and you’d like to experience the calm for a moment, here’s another rainy day to inspire your mindfulness practice. Watch it with your eyes, or close them and listen with your ears. The more you practice, the easier it gets and soon you’ll be a pluviophile too!
xoxo
💖 I’ve shared more tools on mindfulness and healing here on InnerSass — because balanced living is necessary for your health. I hope you’ll stick around.
Love Fully ~ Breathe Deeply ~ Live Boldly ~ Stay Sassy
