Recently, I came down with a vicious virus that lasted over two weeks. I had to cancel everything and could only rest. Everything in my being was screaming. I thrive on creating and expressing myself by doing things that inspire me. I had no energy to feel any of these things.
As I became focused entirely on my body, I became sad and lost. I know better than to stay in that state for very long. I asked myself, what is the opportunity or message in all this? Of course, my first response was NOTHING!!!! I took time to listen for the answer, which came to me in bright neon lights. “Terry, you need to slow down, be comfortable doing nothing, sleep more, and appreciate the little things. You realize what is truly important when you feel as bad as I did. My health, family, friends, dwelling, community, and knowledge of my spirituality and soul are a part of my body and separate simultaneously.
I’ve come to learn over the years that when we feel at our worst or rock bottom, it strips away everything that is not important and leaves the things that are important as bright neon messages that we would not have seen without being in this place of reflection of why am I here and how do I get out of it.
That’s right; the worst, most challenging moments can be the greatest gifts.
Take a moment and think back in your life. What experience did you grow from the most? I’m sure they are a mix of beautiful experiences like having a child or falling in love and how you overcame or fought your way back from a challenging experience.
We are here on this earth to learn, grow, and become the best version of ourselves. It includes all experiences, happy and sad. Life becomes a beautiful adventure when you realize this and look at everything as an opportunity to grow.
On the Choose Courage Podcast, Terry Sidford encourages her guests to share their Courage Stories.
"My heart opened while reading Terry’s down-to-earth prose. I felt myself rooting for her as the heroine in her compelling and unique true story, while simultaneously relating and seeing my own possibilities. I was profoundly inspired."