I Had a Rough Month And This Is What It Taught Me

Let me tell you about my September: I started teaching at school and began to have anxiety and nightmares about the undisciplined classes where middle school students were exhibiting every kind of disturbing behavior. Then I found out that I had to move out of my dream home in a couple of months. Not only was I grieving this loss of my perfect home, but I have been finding a scarcity of affordable places to move to now. Next, I got a neighborhood code violation for a some uncut weeds by the sidewalk. I went to use the mower on them and the mower broke. I actually had to sweat for 20 minutes cutting them with scissors before I left for work that day! It took a couple of days to clear the violation so that I wouldn’t be charged and to get my mower fixed so that I could avoid future violations. (Now I am super on guard because I do not know what neighbor reported it.) This had all just been cleared up, when a city bus sideswiped my car and ran headlong into a school bus. Miraculously no one was seriously injured, but I still do not have my car in the shop because body shops are backed up. To top it all off, in the midst of navigating the car repair process, my dog got sick. For one day I was concerned that she might die. Luckily she got the toxins out and is back to her normal self.

So what might all this be teaching me?

Life is pushing me to make some changes. It’s time to get uncomfortable. I need things shaken up in my life so that I do not get too complacent and stop growing and moving forward in life. I need to learn how to ride the ups and downs and still remain in inner peace.

Detachment. I have become super attached to my dog, my home, and having a reliable car. When we become too attached to something, then we do not leave room for something new enter. I don’t want to deny myself the the opportunity for freedom and growth. I know that all things must pass away. And I know that I cannot foresee what awaits. I can choose to embrace it as an adventure and have faith that God has something even better in store for me. Plus if we cling to something for fear of losing it, then we exist in a state of need and worry, versus a mindset of abundance and trust.

I choose where to focus my energy. I always have a choice on how I think about something. I can choose where to put my attention and energy. These kind of opportunities help me to strengthen my daily practices of meditation, prayer, and mindset. I have found myself gaining little nuggets to repeat as mantras…“When in the shadows, look for the light.” And oh, there has been so much light surrounding me! Or when the fearful thoughts come or I am spending too much time and energy looking for a house online or a calling different car places, I can reset by focusing on someone else. There is always someone in my life who I can help or encourage if I take the time.

About the Author: Julie Glaser is a healer who creates sacred spaces for people to share, release, and grow. She’s in the habit of being in awe and wonder and writes to share her own experiences and learnings with other inquisitive souls in the process of transforming.