Change, From Growing Pains to Gains

Sometimes Life throws events into our lives that forces us to adjust to new and different circumstances, a new way of living and to have a major life change, whether we are ready for change or not, whether we like it or welcome it or not. A particular event maybe judged as a positive change or negative change. Whether a change is "positive" or "negative" depends on the perspective of the individual going through the change.
In 2001, I went through one of the most challenging times in my life. I went through a divorce. My life in those days was in constant turmoil. I was depressed, crying everyday, working full time and taking care of two 10 yr old girls that didn't fully understand what was going on. And yet, in the middle of my depression and everything that was going on, I KNEW that "this too shall pass". This experience catapulted me into the largest growth of my entire life. It encouraged and forced me to learn more about myself, about relationships; my belief system and spirituality grew stronger, I became a much stronger woman. I searched deep within my soul and finally discovered what I truly wanted in a man, in a relationship and I embarked in the quest for my happiness. I learned to love and respect myself and not to compromise for less than what I really wanted. I realized that I deserved the best that life has to offer, that I was truly worth it. I realize now that none of this would have happened without all that pain. Without this experience, I wouldn't be who I am today, and I love who I am, who I've become. In retrospect, I realize now that the experience was truly a gift because of the woman I've become because of it.
It is funny how in our society, change is frightening. However, change is opportunity for growth. It is impossible to grow without change. To avoid change is to avoid growth. Improvement is ALWAYS the result of change. There cannot be improvement in our lives without change. When there is any kind of improvement in your life, is because you changed something. But this change often times involves letting go of what is known and jump into the unknown. It is this fear of the unknown that freezes us into continuing with the status quo. Most people will avoid change until the pain of not changing is greater than the pain of changing.
All meaningful change must come from the inside. The first and possibly the most important internal key change is our attitude. A positive attitude converts failure and adversity into golden opportunities, stepping stones that takes us higher rather than reacting in defeat, hopelessness and depression. Failure and adversity introduce us to opportunities that we might have missed otherwise. Managing change with a positive attitude is the key to attract success in relationships and finances.
Diana Samalot