It is said, the teacher will appear when the student is ready.
Apparently, teachers can come in many forms, and I certainly was not expecting the arrival of my teacher that gray, chilly October morning when I received a rather unpleasant phone call from a friend who I held in very high esteem.
Upon saying “hello” I was met with a barrage of criticisms and what I felt were undeserved and unwarranted accusations about an event that had taken place earlier in the week. I could feel the angry energy coming through the phone which stunned me. For nearly 10 minutes, I said nothing, just listened as she unleashed what seemed like every transgression she had experienced in her life and directed them all at me. When she finished her storm of rage, I attempted with as much humble dignity and grace as I could summon to empathize and apologize for the damage “I” single-handedly had caused.
After finishing the call, I felt so humiliated that I curled up on the floor and sobbed. I could barely function for the rest of the day. This was not a proud moment for me. In fact, this incident brought on so much guilt, embarrassment, and shame that I could not even share the confusion and pain I was feeling with those closest to me or my own coach until months later. By that time, I had done quite a lot of my own self-reflection, growth, and healing, which gave me a different perspective on the situation. I began to understand how this woman might be feeling so I could empathize with her emotions, and see the hidden reason of why is was important for me to have this experience.
You see, it was a particularly stressful time in my life with the pressures of a job responsibilities, health issues (something I had never dealt with), and the pressure of overseeing a staff and the care of my mother who, at the time, had only a few months to live. To say I thought I could “do it all” is an understatement. I was worn out and had no self-awareness of my level of stress and anxiety.
It never once occurred to me to give myself permission to step out of the race for a bit so I could take care of the only me there is. Nope, I opted for being the Martyr on the verge of a mental and physical breakdown. It was absolutely ridiculous! I look back now and wonder, “who was I trying to be?” It was totally the opposite of who I desired or was meant to be.
Little did I understand at the time, it was exactly the motivation I needed to make a better decision about my life. I told myself “This is complete and utter nonsense! I have had enough! I am meant for so much more in this life.” Quite frankly, every single one of us deserves so much more than we believe and allow.
This was also the moment when the Universe heard me, loud and clear, and began setting things into motion that, months later, allowed me to step out of my corporate role to become a full-time life coach and mentor. This awareness also gave me the beautiful opportunity to care for my mom who was in the last several weeks of her life. Two gifts I will always cherish and will be grateful for.
Just when you think life is happening to you, you learn that life is really happening for you. This can only come into our awareness by being willing to open our minds and to consider other possibilities.
Though it was a tough lesson for me at the time, I am and will forever be grateful for how things unfolded. Today, I help others shift their perspectives and grow into who they are meant to be, which brings me so much joy and gratitude for pretty much everything I’ve experienced in life.
I share this story with you all in the hopes you will look at your life through a new lens to see there are limitless possibilities in the world for you and that person who may be bringing you the most grief right now, may indeed, be the teacher you need to help you see things differently.
Remember to give yourself and others grace before jumping into victimhood or blame over anything. We never know what’s going on in the life of someone else and when we open our hearts and eyes to the fact that it isn’t just about us, choosing to see each other as the gifts we are, we create a world of love, peace, and joy.
Who are the “teachers” in your life and what are they trying to tell you? Need help finding out? Schedule your free consultation with me today and together we can explore what’s possible for you.
Love and Light,
Michele