Live in accordance with the nature of things. | DR. WAYNE W. DYER

To Live Well with any word, the first step is defining the word.  For definitions, I still prefer the old edition of Webster’s dictionary which sits on my desk beside my Bibles for daily use.

Challenge:  (a) a calling in question; something which tests a person’s qualities; (b) an objection made against someone in regard to their worth or qualifications; (c) a stimulating issue or task.

So what is a challenge and who has challenges in life?  Is challenge another word for crisis which is another word for opportunity?  Are Challenges God’s blessings for our personal growth?

Since I am also a very visual person who loves to laugh, I often go to YouTube for videos that change my perception.  For a visual concept of challenge watch the mouse.

Think of the way we label others and ourselves…physically challenged…mentally challenged…emotionally challenged…financially challenged.  How many times do we use the challenge blessing as an excuse to be a victim, a blamer, paralyzed in a situation or to lash out against others?

How often do we take a challenge personally as a threat and a reason to fight rather than as a blessing and a chance to grow?  We always have the choice of refusing to join in any battle to which we are invited.

Last week, in the middle of a challenge, a friend dropped by to remind me that I do have friends and left me a book to read, “The Noticer” by Andy Andrews. “The situation in which you find yourself is fraught with difficulty, yes.  It is also piled high with benefits.  Here for you is a law of the universe—one of many, to be sure, but one that is especially applicable to your life at present.  Remember, whatever you focus upon increases.”

(My wise Grandmother Wheeler had a more colorful take on the same theme, “The more you stir shit the more it stinks…Flarrie Clark Wheeler…1901-1974)

But back to “The Noticer” by Andy Andrews, “When you focus on the things you need” he went on to explain, “you’ll find those needs increasing.  If you concentrate your thoughts on what you don’t have, you will soon be concentrating on other things that you had forgotten you don’t have and feel worse!  If you set your mind on loss, you are more likely to lose…But a grateful perspective brings happiness and abundance into a person’s life.

DING-DING-DING…LIGHTS ON! When we change our prospective on our challenge (blessing) we change our life…or

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Mohandas K. Gandhi

Wake-Up Call: Looking at the challenges that I am facing right now with acceptance of the blessings and opportunities being offered is what I choose in my life.  Knowing that I am in exactly the right place at the right time to be me. (Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. ~ Oscar Wilde)

Light up the darkness. With acceptance of the blessing comes letting go of the attitude and baggage that holds me back while retaining the traditions and wisdom that make me unique.

Letting go of the fear of the darkness with the imaginary dangers and secrets hidden away is like opening the drapes and window to allow sunlight into a long hidden chamber of our soul.  To learn more about letting go, there is a wonderful book written by Hugh Prather titled “The Little Book of Letting Go.”

Accepting my challenges with gratitude means I take personal responsibility for the growth and changes that the challenges bring  and recognize that there are no blessings without challenges to keep me moving on life’s path.

I refuse to accept ownership of a challenge because to acquire “ownership” requires buying in to the idea that I can control the life purpose of anyone or anything.  I often challenge authority, not to create controversy but to open up discussion to new ideas and vision.

“Remember, whatever you focus upon increases.” the challenges faced by immigrants moving into a different culture where they are not accepted.  Guess what I have attracted…more immigrants.

Migration is a natural challenge (blessing) in which different species change their physical location or dwelling place.  One of the challenges of  migration is the blending of cultures and acceptance of diverse belief systems.

Migration is a duel blessing because it challenges both the person establishing a home in the new community and the existing cultural belief system of the people in the community.  The question becomes, “Who did God give life to and who did God give the right to determine what is legal life and what is illegal life.”

When looking back at the Challenges and Blessings that have been given to me over the last three years I am filled with gratitude that I have been given my life to live.  If not for accepting the “challenges” as a blessing and changing my perspective, I would never have imagined the beautiful home I have found in Ottawa Kansas.

And so my daily prayer is to be a challenge in the lives of everyone that I come in contact with… to open their minds and hearts to the beauty of everyone and everything on this Earth.

“Remember, whatever you focus upon increases.”

Love, Light & Lots of Laughter…Joa

joa@joacarter.com

www.joacarter.com