February 2024 Blog Topic: Share an Awareness as the Result of a Perceived Setback.
By Kellie Haehnel with The Spirit Wellness Center
I was turning 40, a time of change. Within one week, I got laid off from my job as an HR Manager, filed for divorce, was cut off of all of our family funds… so no money, and left my beautiful home with my two young daughters to move in with my sister. I took two days to do the non-productive pity party. Then, I sat up and asked myself, “Who am I?” I could no longer identify myself as an HR professional who was currently employed and soon enough, I could no longer identify as a wife. I would no longer enjoy my beautiful home and wonderful vacations, and I had no money. I could still call myself a mom, but I kept feeling called to wonder who am I as a person. I felt as if I had no direction or purpose in my life.
I soon realized that I was surviving and not thriving. I was focused on the kids, not myself or my marriage. Just moving through the demands of day-to-day life. There had to be more!
I learned tools that aided me in embracing my authentic self. These tools were valuable and an important first step to putting myself first. I discovered what true self-love is all about. Never underestimate the power of self-love. It doesn’t mean being selfish, it just means not being too tough on yourself. Self-love is a vital aspect of personal growth and well-being. I feel it was about accepting and valuing myself for who I am and treating myself with kindness and compassion.
I also learned that I didn’t have to define my future by my past. I can let go of the fear instead Face Everything And Rise! I have the strength, the tenacity, the abilities needed to create a new and amazing life for me. So, I got busy working on developing a positive mindset and taking small steps daily to rebuild my life.
We can’t always control what life throws at us, but we can control how we react to life challenges. When we are centered and anchored in our authentic selves, we have the strength and tenacity to face anything with grace. Knowing that the Universe has our back. Trusting the journey. Searching for the gifts in each and every experience.
I couldn’t see the gifts in those experiences at that time, that week of transformation, but as I look back, the greatest gift was discovering ME! A true gift of self-love! My authentic self and my true purpose of inspiring others to redefine their purpose, to reconnect with themselves so that they learn to put themselves first, and gain clarity on their vision. To let them know, they are not on this journey alone. To be that lighthouse guiding them from the stormy sea of their lives to the shore safely. By aiding them in navigating through the difficulties so that they can create and write the next chapter of the vision they want going forward. Offering them compassion, understanding, and a steady unwavering presence when they need it most.
It is important to reach out to ask and accept help. The Universe puts people and teachers in our path to aid us in moving through life’s challenges, to experience profound transformation, and to experience triumph in our own lives. Next time you go through something difficult, remember that you deserve to thrive!
