Thought for the Week

Timothy D. Stein, MFT, CSAT

July 24, 2017

“Then the warrior realizes that these repeated experiences have but one aim: to teach him what he does not want to learn.” –Paulo Coelho

There are times when it feels like we are getting the same, frustrating results in every area of our life.  We are frustrated with our therapist.  Our relationship is conflictual.  Our community members aren’t supporting us the way we want.  Our friends just don’t get it.  And on and on the list goes.  At these times, it is helpful to step out of our sense of justified annoyance and look at the larger picture, which includes us, our actions, and our attitudes.  With this larger frame of reference, it is easier for us to see (or for us to hear others as they point out) what these repeated experiences are trying to teach us.

When have I felt frustrated with everything?  What have been the consequences of continuing to act on my frustration?  What gifts await me as I open myself to what these repeated experiences are trying to teach me?