Thought for the Week

Timothy D. Stein, MFT, CSAT

September 24, 2018

“Carry in your memory, for the rest of your life, the good things that came out of those difficulties. They will serve as a proof of your abilities and will give you confidence when you are faced by other obstacles.” –Chico Xavier

There are many difficulties in recovery and on the other side, we have a choice.  We can focus on the pain and discomfort we experienced or we can focus on the good that came from those difficulties.  Focusing on the pain and discomfort is easy.  The wrongs of others and the perceived injustice done to us is easy for us to spot.  More difficult, yet more beneficial, is focusing on the good.  This good may seem overshadowed by our pain.  It may be hidden, only to be found with exploration.  It may not be apparent until time has passed and we view the experience in hindsight.  When you find the good, hold onto it.  The good, not the pain or discomfort, gives you hope that you can create future success.

When have I focused on pain and discomfort?  What have the consequences of this been?  What gifts await me as I actively look for the good things that came out of my difficulties?