Week 6 - In Preparation: Turn pain into opportunity

Dear Friends,

I had a great time in Chicago last week and I hope you had a chance to see the Oprah Winfrey Show about the Law of Attraction. It was such a honor to share the stage with Louise Hay, a woman whose work I deeply admire, and it was great to meet Martha Beck, a coach who has so much wisdom to share (and a terrific sense of humor!). Thanks to all of you who wrote in with your well wishes…I am blessed beyond measure to have such loving support.

Although we did run out of the movie, “You Can Heal Your Life,” we should have more in stock on Tuesday, 2/12. This is a very special DVD that seems to have a powerful effect on viewers who watch the journey unfold. I hope you’ll take a look at the trailer and read about the movie here.

Join me for this week’s “Coach on Call” live radio show where I’ll talk about “Creating a Conspiracy of Love.” I’ll also take your calls. To join me, visit www.hayhouseradio.com on Monday at 5pm ET (2pm PT, 10pm GMT) and click on the “listen now” button.

Finally, over the next few weeks, as I finish up my next book, I’ll be rebroadcasting a few popular newsletters now and then, trusting that the message will be just what you need to hear :).

Have a great week…

Love,

Cheryl

p.s. – Need a little Divine Direction? Use the “Touch of Grace” button on our homepage here: http://www.cherylrichardson.com.

“Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to burning metal;

it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it.”

–Eliza Tabor

Topic of the Week – Disappointment as Preparation

This week I caught an interview with Jennifer Hudson, the young singer who was voted off of American Idol and ended up stealing the show in the movie, Dreamgirls. Jennifer was asked how she handled the disappointment of being eliminated from Idol when most people thought she would win. She admitted that it was painful and that she cried a lot, but that eventually she returned to her faith. “I chose to trust that God had a bigger plan for me than I could see at the time,” she explained.

I guess so. Her performance led to an Oscar.

Jennifer’s story is a powerful reminder of how life’s disappointments may in fact be preparation for something even more significant in our lives. And, this belief has the best chance of coming true when you make a demonstrated commitment to learn and grow from your present day circumstances.

For example, when I look back at the painful breakup of the relationship I was in before my marriage, I can see that the suffering and subsequent growth I went through was exactly what I

needed to prepare me for a more mature and lasting relationship later on — although I certainly didn’t know it at the time. The pain and disappointment forced me to grow. It challenged me to face my fear of living alone. It prompted me to get my butt into therapy. And it ultimately helped me to develop self-respect. I learned to treat myself better, which in turn, naturally raised my standards for how I would allow others to treat me in the future.

Jennifer’s belief can serve us all in times of suffering or pain. For example, is there something going on in your life right now — a breakup, a problem at work, the slow growth of your business, or the chronic stress of trying to find time for your life — that might be attempting to prepare you for what’s next? Think about it. What if your current challenge is a call to action — the kind of action that will prepare you for the next phase of your life? What are you being invited to learn? What qualities of character are trying to be strengthened or developed?

As I’ve dealt with my own challenges over the last several months, the belief of “disappointment or suffering as preparation” is something I hold onto as a reminder that we are never alone, that

there is a purpose to our suffering and pain, and that when we get to the other side, a great opportunity to use what we’ve learned in service to ourselves and others awaits. Take heart. Every day, in some way, we’re all being prepared for something better . . .

~*~ Take Action Challenge ~*~

Choose one thing that you feel disappointed about, frustrated by, or fearful of? Now, ask yourself the following questions:

1. If this were happening to help strengthen a part of me, which part would it be?

2. What lesson can I learn from this experience?

3. How is facing this obstacle teaching me important skills that can be used to help others?

Finally, ask yourself: What kind of help do I need to make the most of this learning opportunity? Then, do what it takes to find that support. Ask a friend for a referral to a therapist, call a mentor for guidance, or create a gathering of hand-picked friends to help you brainstorm new ideas.

In the News

There are still some spaces left in “The Writer’s Workshop” Mexican Riviera cruise. If you are an earnest writer who’s committed to getting your message out into the world you’ll want to check out this important opportunity to learn the ins and outs of getting published. Along with a comprehensive program, you’ll be invited to attend a special event with Reid Tracy, president and publisher of Hay House, who will answer questions about what they look for in a successful author. For more info click here.

Would you like a little laser coaching from Cheryl? Call in during her live Internet radio show, Coach on Call, on Mondays at 5pm ET (2pm PT, 10pm GMT) at www.hayhouseradio.com. Simply dial (866) 254-1579 if you live in the US, or for international callers dial, 1-760-918-4300 after your country code. Cheryl discusses a variety of topics related to practicing Extreme Self Care and living a high quality life.

We have a variety of unique life-changing gifts in our webstore at www.myextremeselfcare.com. You can have books personally signed for you or a loved one with a note of encouragement or support, include a hand-written gift card with your order, or find a special item to support your own self-care. There are heart ornaments, books, audio programs, lotions, and our popular Mesmerizing Oggz Egg (you need to see it to understand :). Check them out here: www.myextremeselfcare.com.

Listen to the free Practice Building Workshop telegathering on audio podium and learn to build your client base in a relaxed and authentic way. Whether you’re a coach, therapist, lawyer, massage therapist, or other service oriented business owner, you can learn about our program and the important steps for practice development by calling (405) 244-4000 – Box 104. For more info on our PBW audio program, click here.

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Week 6 – In Preparation: Turn pain into opportunity

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