| Thriving in the Moment by Gretchen Hansen Almost three years ago, I left a successful corporate career to launch myself into the unknown world of the self-employed. Little did I realize the rich lessons I would learn about the power of staying centered as my path tested the limits of tolerance and faith. The first challenge came on a social level. Many friends did not understand why I would leave a successful career to start a business. Those who had not been in on the story of why I chose to leave my job thought I had lost it. I was shocked and hurt to discover how many of these "friends" found it hard to pick up a phone to keep in touch, much less offer moral support. To get through this challenge, I had to repeatedly link to my soul, who knows the truth about my purpose and myself. That part of me could find compassion and forgiveness for these friends. Through the eyes of my soul, I understood they could not see me clearly through their paradigm of success. We were no longer speaking the same language. Then there was the issue of money. Yes, I had enough money saved to live on for a while, but eventually I knew I would have to make enough money to pay for benefits, bills, shelter, etc. Gulp! The fear of losing everything, and not trusting myself or the Universe to deliver on my dream, left me racked with doubt. To deal with this issue, I had to practice what I preached: What I focus on creates my reality. It was, and still is, a discipline to focus on what I desire to create. Any thoughts based on fear and doubt are switched to higher, more positive thoughts as soon as they begin to "play" across the screen of my mind. In this way, my energy stays focused on creating realities that serve myself and others. Like a radio station that occasionally loses its signal, tuning into the music keeps the annoying static at bay. However, in the end, my business folded. To minimize stress, and keep my schedule open while I figured out my next step, I chose two blue-collar environments to work in. I felt understandably depressed about having to let my dream go. I felt my thoughts begin to stray, and anger threatened to take over my life. I felt cheated and trapped in the strange, in-between world I had created. I knew if I allowed myself to continue down this road, I would have lost myself. I needed stability, peace and direction. I looked around me in desperation, looking for meaning in where I was. It was then that I noticed how "real" the people I now worked with were. They not only demanded me to act and live from my heart, they expected it. I could not hide who I was from them. I had to let go of my cherished self-defenses and learn to interact without them, trusting an open heart as all the protection I needed. After so many years of intellectually understanding the power of an open heart, through the mirror of their example, my co-workers reached in and literally forced me kicking and screaming to start living from my heart. They taught me the power of being consciously centered in who I am in the moment: The power of being real. My journey over the last several years plumbed the depths of fear and faith. As each new challenge presented itself, I found yet another way to access my center, and draw from it the sweet support and peace I craved in the moment. I am richer person for the experience. Whatever the future holds for me, I know I will not only survive, but thrive in each moment of it. Gretchen Hansen's ability as a healer developed as a direct result of her own spiritual, self-growth journey. For almost ten years, her inner wisdom has guided her to study a variety of healing techniques ranging from Esoteric Healing to Feng Shui. Combining this ability with communication and listening skills honed throughout her 13 years in the business world, Gretchen brings a high degree of integrity, honesty and focus to her work. In addition to her healing work, Gretchen writes and speaks on a variety of spiritual, self-growth topics. She may be contacted at (651) 645-2326, or e-mail her at devalady@earthlink.net. Copyright (c) 2002 Gretchen Hansen |
||
|
|
|
