This past week I had the opportunity to experience illness. You know- fever, body aches, chills & exhaustion- the works. The Big Daddy. It’s been almost ten years, but each time this happens, I have a new learning chance, and this experience was no different. These are the thoughts that came out of that experience. Consider them for free- you don’t even have to be sick yourself to learn them!

Adversity, in this case, illness, shuts down our current life pattern. When you can’t get up to follow your daily routine, you have no choice. It disables autopilot and automatic thoughts. It breaks patterns. It opens a new way of thinking and responding to our world.

Change disables automatic thoughts. They don’t have anywhere to run because their endpoint is no longer there. It breaks patterns, and if we allow it, it opens the way to growth.  

Research has shown that infants and young children often have a significant cognitive or motor skill jump immediately after a round of fever and illness. It appears that the cleansing and stimulating effect of the immune-fever response boosts the child’s development upon recovery. Could the same be true for us?

What adversity are you experiencing? Whether it’s a fever or a job loss, or a relationship challenge, it’s still there to boost your personal development. 

So, take your fever-reducing drug of choice: White Willow tree bark, Tylenol, or a bath, and try this palliative care:

1. Remember the gift of change. Your current experience is neither permanent nor pervasive. It came to pass, not to stay. You get to choose the way you think about this situation. That is your secret superpower. I know it’s easy to have a poor me pity party but trust me, sister, you ache less when you lean in. Sink into the discomfort with curiosity instead of self-pity. Wonder about it a bit. Let those new creative thoughts percolate up to the top.
2. Sink in. Weirdly, when you let go of your resistance to perceived pain, you sink in, pillow-like, and your experience changes. More comfortable? Maybe not physically, but that open willingness and peace change everything. When we stop trying to control life so hard, things open up in true beauty.

So my friend, what is your adversity teaching you this week?  

Let that thought be the leaven in your loaf,

and I truly hope it creates sweet bread!

To your health!

All my love,

Beth

Wanna learn more about appreciating and learning from the ever-present changes in life? Come to YOUWEEK! It’s an hour just for you every night for five nights straight and is guaranteed to bring good change to your life. It’s September 11-15^th at 7 pm CST on Zoom. If you can’t attend live, we understand- it’s a school night, after all. It’s recorded, and you will receive the recordings to listen to as many times as you like. All this for only $19. Our gift to you- because we all need a little “You Time”.

Don’t miss it- we only hold YouWeek once a year!

Remember how great “YouWeek” was last year? It’s that time again! 5 nights of live training to create a life you love. Upbeat, encouraging- and a free recording so you can watch it again over and over. September 11th-15th, 7 pm CST. Click this link to register.

Who am I writing for?

I write for every overwhelmed, discouraged, faith-challenged woman out there. I know your goodness and your capacity.

Why should you care?Because you were made for so much more! Stop playing small and embrace your true potential.

What do I want you to do here? I would love it if you kept reading, responding, and growing.

If you struggle, click here to get help.

Nobody has to suffer! We are here to help.