Soul lessons...

Soul lessons, realizations, epiphanies, light bulb moments, call them what you will- they will all give you new perceptions that you never even thought, or dreamed of before.

Challenges, upsets, disappointments, losses, sickness... Everyone on earth experiences these daily, and yet we still struggle after experiencing them, instead of growing from it. We ask ourselves "Why me?", as though someone beyond the clouds pointed their finger and smited us for being too quiet or peaceful. Lately I have had so many overwhelming realizations through all of my challenges. I used to believe "Everything happens for a reason", however even this is wrong to me now- my new belief is "Everything in life is a test upon my spirit." And for some strange reason, I almost look forward to the day I will face a challenge, knowing I will be able to look for a positive opportunity in it.

Many of my own closest friends have faced very confronting challenges recently, and have told me what happened and how upset or angry they felt. Usually the "old" Sarah would give a few tips or advice, and think how sad I was for my friend. However, now, "New" Sarah sees the bigger picture, and I realize that my friend is also being tested upon; whatever advice I give will not make a difference unless they see the bigger picture too. They may not realize at the time, but the 'storm' that has overwhelmed them has occurred because they are driven by their fears, and emotions. Their own inner storm has overwhelmed them, but letting go of their fears will connect them to their harmony and eventually, feel at peace during future challenges.

During my holiday at Queensland (Surfers Paradise), with some wonderful friends and my sister, I was able to experience the first few powerful realizations... I was staying at the most beautiful place, a Penthouse overlooking Surfers Beach. Here I was thinking how perfect everything was, when in reality this was an illusion of happiness. I was only staying at a beautiful place for 6 days, therefore my happiness was circumstantial. It would only last for a few days, I thought to myself. Sitting on the rooftop of the Penthouse, I stared silently at the night sky and had my second realization- my friends, and my sister were the most important aspect of my life, and the happiness that came from them was not circumstantial, it was for life. As soon as I had these two extraordinary realizations, I was able to accept that I had to make the most of my stay for what it was- it's temporary beauty, and the love I had for my friends and sister. I stopped being in awe of the Penthouse, and focused my awe on the precious time I had with those around me.

Have you ever had soul lessons, realizations, epiphanies, light bulb moments, that threw you off balance and changed the way you think? I'd really love to know- even more so if you can tell me what realizations you had from your challenges!