Embracing Life's Lessons: Moving forward After Your Prayers Are Answered

I landed the job, the position I had been working really hard to secure. But, it didn’t feel quite like I had envisioned. I was finally paying off the debt that had piled up during my solopreneur days, one credit card at a time. I have to admit, it felt great. However, the thought of waking up early every day to face tons of rejection seemed daunting. Initially, I thought I could handle it, but as time went on, it started to feel like maybe this job wasn't the right fit for me. I found myself questioning why I couldn't just be grateful for once. Why was I complaining after finally achieving something that took me months to attain?

This job consumed my thoughts day in and day out, leaving me emotionally and physically drained. I felt myself drifting away from life, seeking an escape, a way out. Despite not wanting to disappoint my family, I kept my struggles to myself, minimizing external complaints. I began wondering if I was the problem. Shouldn't I be grateful, considering this was the answer to my prayers? How many times have you prayed for something, only to realize it's not what you expected? Perhaps the answer lies not in the thing itself but in the life lessons that are yet to be revealed.

• Lesson 1: Gratitude comes first. I've learned that I must always begin here before moving forward in life. I am thankful for the job, the challenges it presents, and the faith to choose God during tough times. My new role encourages me to dig deeper within myself and persevere. I've chosen to stay consistent, believing that through persistent effort and by showing up as my best self, success will eventually follow. I'm grateful for the valuable lesson this job is teaching me.
• Lesson 2: Fear is limiting. I have a constant fear of failure, often overthinking and anticipating the worst outcomes. My biggest concern with this job is failing to meet expectations and being let go by the company. This fear stems from past experiences of being fired for underperformance, getting laid off due to budget cuts, and having to start over because of organizational changes. Despite performing reasonably well, I find myself fixating on potential failures rather than possibilities for growth. I need to remind myself that being in the middle offers opportunities to excel and move upward.
• Lesson 3: Embrace the learning curve. As a competitive person, I catch myself comparing my progress to others on the team. I get discouraged seeing the same names on the leadership board and question why I'm not achieving the same level of success. Comparison steals joy and reflects my lack of confidence. However, upon reflection, I realize that this is a new field for me, a fresh start. Every new endeavor involves initial failures that ultimately lead to growth and improvement. Even if I stumble in this job, it won't be the end. Every setback offers a chance to learn and evolve.
• Lesson 4: Strive to become your best self. I acknowledge my strengths – resilience, determination, abundance, and worthiness – as I aspire to embody the woman I've always envisioned. I choose to embrace these qualities, shaping me into a person capable of making a positive impact and spreading hope and joy. I understand that challenges are part of life and that personal growth occurs through overcoming obstacles.

Life tests us continuously. It's not just about maintaining faith and positivity during easy times but also about applying these skills when faced with adversity. It's essential to learn to breathe through tight moments, seek solace in nature, and connect with God when no one else is there. Each blessing comes with its unique challenges and lessons. Success is not about escaping difficulties but about embracing them, gaining wisdom, and moving forward to the next challenge. Only through challenges and time does true wisdom emerge, shaping us and teaching us life's most profound lessons.