Weathering Your Storms
Have you ever been in a valley in your life that you didn't think you would come out of? Well, you are not alone. Each person has or will experience during their life, a trial or limiting belief that might threaten to derail them from their purpose. The good news is that each one of us can pass through these periods of our lives, and come out stronger. The only limiting factor to moving forward ...is ourselves.
For some time, I have been considering how we weather the personal storms in our lives. When we are experiencing a low-point in our life, we must mentally decide to move past the obstacles that are immobilising us (often with fear). If we don’t overcome them, these obstacles can settle in and hold us hostage. It is crucial that we learn how to pass through these valleys, to come out stronger on the other side. Every living person either has experienced or will experience set-backs or limiting beliefs that will threaten to rattle or derail them on their journey through life. No one is immune to experiencing these low times that often accompany the high points, regardless of your stage or station in life.
As a young doctor, I have experienced both personal and professional stumbling blocks, sometimes simultaneously. During my time as a resident, I remember the excitement of being promoted from intern to senior resident in Neurosurgery. Unfortunately, excitement quickly dwindled into anxiety and feelings of incompetence, resulting from senior team members and their treatment towards me. My efforts to be the first to arrive and last to leave work were seen as negative qualities, workplace bullying became a frequent encounter, and ward-rounds became an opportunity to humiliate me (and at times my co-residents or medical students) in front of patients. Initially, upon approaching my new position, I was excited about the opportunity for further learning in a field of special interest to me, and to be challenged beyond my comfort zone. However, this period of time in medicine was painful, and eroded all passion to excel, let alone face going into work each day.
Again, no one is exempt from life’s trials. In spite of all of this, I want to remind you that there is light at the end of tunnel and you CAN weather your current storm. But before that can happen, you need to identify the obstacle clearly and ensure you are seeking council from an objective friend or trustworthy source (ideally someone outside the immediate circumstances), ie. don’t share with or seek advice from colleagues associated with your work environment. Discretion is prudent. I was fortunate enough to have two close friends outside of medicine, who were a safe place to talk and receive objective advice, weekly.
You and only you can control your commitment to moving forward. Tell yourself that you WILL work through and move past this period in your life, and not only that, but you will come through stronger! Finally, when you get to a mental, spiritual, or even a geographical place that provides you with the distance needed to reflect, REFLECT!
John C. Maxwell shares an important reminder about learning from both the good and the bad. “Experience teaches nothing, but evaluated experience teaches everything”.
I believe this is very true. When we take time to sift through painful periods in our life, we gain clarity; and clarity, my friends, leads to knowledge, renewed strength, and resilience - needed to better equip you to face future storms with success.
One of my favourite verses.
“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.”
Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)
Dr. Kristyn Bell