I believe life is a series of adventures—but it’s also a school filled with many lessons. It takes courage and willingness to be introspective especially when a challenging situation arises or a difficult person shows up in your life.

I’ve come to believe that every situation and every person that comes into my life has a purpose in doing so. And whether they are a delight or a challenge, I look for the gift—everything is a blessing. I wouldn’t be able to see the world and Life this way if I didn’t now believe in a Higher Power, and one that is only about Goodness and Love. I believe that everything is for my spiritual upliftment, even when it is painful. Connecting more closely with Spirit gets me to see the blessing and ease the pain.

It may be an extremely difficult task to achieve, but one surely worth it if it brings me closer to The Divine and to understanding myself better.

I appreciate that others think this way too, spreading their light and positive energy. I never did realize that I was in a victim frame of mind when I didn’t try to see the gift; when I look for the blessings, I lift myself out of that victim consciousness. I take the focus off of what is “bad” or “wrong” and find the good and the lesson.

“Discovering the gift brings a person out of victim consciousness into a space of receptivity and teachability. This is when Spirit rushes in, excited that we’ve accepted the invitation to grow.

“I tell my students that being able to center themselves and look for the gift in any difficult situation sooner than later demonstrates spiritual growth. That in itself is a great gift.

“In every situation, I empower myself by looking for the gifts it offers, expanding my understanding of the truth of myself as an expression of Spirit.”

– Rev. Joanne McFadden, “Science of Mind Magazine,” April 23, 2022