There is something special about early morning. In the spring and summer I sit on my deck and enjoy my first cup of tea while I journal or read. Then, for a few weeks I stagnate. A wayfaring stranger without a place to open the day. When the season changes from summer to fall, I find myself sitting in my rocking chair by the wood stove, cup of coffee or tea in hand, breathing in the wonder of a new day. Today is that morning. We are having a typical nor’easter, and for the first few moments of the day I listened to the rain and wind by the warmth of the fire. Soon, the quietness of the morning will be replaced by my sons getting ready for their day, my 4 legged grandson begging for attention and a new day of activity will be at hand. But for now, this peacefulness is where I begin my day.
This week was challenging. Again I found myself pondering who I would send a card to. Since my last gratitude note, I mailed one to the coordinator of my high school reunion, one each to two coworkers and this week I chose to write a note to someone who challenges me.
Have you ever had anyone in life who challenges you to go to the edge and when you are there, they want you to take one more step? It looks like there is no footing and what you really have to do is take a step of faith. Picture this. You are blind and your senses tell you that you are at the edge of the cliff. Someone beside you tells you to take one more step, yet you believe that you have gone as far as you can go. However, this person challenges you to explore the space. You put one foot forward and instead of space what you find is a step. You place your foot on that step, lift up your other foot and there is another step.
Nicole is much like the person asking me to take the step. While I can explain what happens, I have to find out why it happens to solve the puzzle. In the process, of solving the why, I gain valuable knowledge and deeper critical thinking skills. My understanding of the intricacies of the inner workings of my field is deepened and I become a better person. All of this translates back to my identity, my essence. I step up to a higher level of understanding my work and what challenges really hold. Everytime we are challenged, we have the choice to take the step beyond where we are or to stagnate.
When someone challenges you, you gain in the area in which you are challenged, and in your ability to transfer that knowledge to other areas in your life. Instead of stopping, you reach a bit further to gain a deeper understanding. You begin to look at life from a different perspective. You realize that you can also challenge yourself. Each of us can challenge ourselves in so many ways. Physically, emotionally, financially, employment, education and such.
There is good in challenge. We need others to challenge us and we need to challenge ourselves. Today when I become frustrated, I remember that under the frustration is challenge. The discomfort and frustration, that is challenge. Thankfully, Nicole challenges me. She asks me to deepen my understanding of my work. If no one challenges you, challenge yourself. Add an extra work out in once a week. It soon becomes habit and your body thanks you for it. I was spending $25.00 a week on my morning coffee and muffin. I began to make a cup of tea, bring my breakfast to work and at the end of the year, my Roth IRA is $1,300.00 richer. Let go of the things you cannot control in life and all of a sudden the stress is gone. Your emotional life no longer opposes that which is. Was there initial discomfort in these challenges? Of course. Was it frustrating to learn a new schedule or change a habit? Of course. Is it hard to let go? Oh yes! However, look at what I gained from these challenges.
What I once understood as frustration, I now recognize as challenge. Whenever I become frustrated, I now know that there is a chance for me to grow.
I learned a lot from Nicole, both about my field and about myself. Who will challenge you today to take a step outside yourself and discover something new? Or will it be yourself?
