Life is an adventure - full of surprises, challenges, rewards, joy, sadness, pain, disappointment, etc.  A path may be very smooth and/or it can be quite bumpy.  Some of us have it a lot easier than others .  .  . but, when it's our turn at bat - a difficult situation can be quite difficult to handle. 

Since everyone has a different level of tolerance and understanding, a crisis will be handled according to this level.  People who have shown outstanding courage and stamina are often considered "role models" to which others may aspire to.  

Many factors contribute to an individual's path:  lineage, status, parents, teachers, environment, talents, weaknesses, physical attributes, self-confidence or lack of it . . . and in esoteric circles - karma.

So, we have now established that life isn't fair.  If you are open to the possibility of living many lives (reincarnation) - then is is easier to accept that all life experiences are a matter of checks and balances - some lives will be great - others difficult -  all supposedly for the purpose of soul growth.  Most of us have a problem with this concept at one time or another.

Did you know that you are - and will be - your best friend during this lifetime?.  It is urgent that you make friends with yourself and be your staunchest ally.  Self-love is the greatest love affair you can experience.  If you do not love yourself, you will not be able to love others.  But isn't that selfish and ego-centric?  No!  It is realistic and empowering.  If you believe that you are "one" with the source - then to love yourself is to love God.

In times of turmoil, holding on to your belief system - not another's - is essential.  As we mature and grow, we often evaluate and update our beliefs - embracing new concepts - letting go of others.  This is growth and is necessary.  We should never allow ourselves to become rigid and unyielding because life has been unkind and knocked our skateboard out from under our footing.

The following affirmations may be very helpful in time of crisis:

  • If I persevere - I will succeed

  • If I keep my mind positive - I will trigger my creativity

  • If I have faith in the divine scheme of life - I will be guided to the next step

  • If I don't give up - I will turn things around

  • If I keep knocking - a new door will open

  • If I am aware of all my blessings and gifts - I will have "an attitude of gratitude"

  • I believe through knowledge and awareness - I am the co-creator of my destiny

  • I believe I must live in the NOW and release the past

  • I believe - although difficult - it is better for me to forgive

 

Compassion for myself
is the most powerful
healer of them al
l.

Theodore Isaac Rubin, M.D.