We all go through challenges in life, and sometimes it feels impossible to see the silver lining when you're in the thick of it.
But there's a question I want to share with you today, one that has been a guiding light for me throughout this past year:
“What hardships am I currently going through that, while I may not find the gift now, I might look back on one day and be grateful for?”
This question has been my anchor, especially as I approach a year of being formally “funemployed” and navigating the unpredictable seas of entrepreneurship.
A Year of Challenges and Growth
This past year has been, without a doubt, one of the most challenging of my life. There were days I struggled with:
Grief over lost opportunities or unmet expectations
A deep sense of lack—lack of direction, lack of clarity, lack of motivation
The constant, gnawing question of, "Am I doing enough?"
Yet, alongside these challenges, there were sparks of growth, small moments of victory that I can now look back on with gratitude:
Expanding my network: I met new people, formed valuable connections, and surrounded myself with a community that lifted me up when I needed it most.
Achieving educational milestones: I grew in my knowledge and skills, finding opportunities to learn that I might have missed if I hadn’t been pushed out of my comfort zone.
Stepping into my new role: I hosted my first webinars, launched my coaching practice, took on new clients, and began to redefine my career and purpose with every new experience.
The Gift of Growing My Network
The gift I want to highlight today is the growth of my network. Looking back, I realize that had I not been thrown into the storms of uncertainty and challenge, I may never have been forced to step out of my familiar world. I wouldn’t have sought out new partnerships, made new connections, or become a certified coach.
It’s humbling to realize that had everything gone according to the “plan,” I might still be comfortably coasting through a corporate role, slowly building my career on autopilot. Instead, I was nudged, no, shoved into a situation where I had to reinvent myself. And that reinvention is something I’m deeply grateful for today.
What If?
I often ask myself, "What would life have been otherwise?" What if the storm hadn’t come? What if I hadn’t been pushed out of my comfort zone? The truth is, I don’t think I’d be here, writing this, with a sense of clarity and purpose that’s only come after the hardship. Life has a funny way of revealing that the things we once resisted are often the very things we
needed to grow.
Embracing the Gift in Your Own Storm
So, no matter what storm you’re going through right now, I encourage you to hold onto this thought: There is a gift on the other side. You may not see it now, and that’s okay. But one day, you may look back and realize that the very thing you thought was breaking you was actually shaping you into someone stronger, wiser, and more connected to your true purpose.
Ask yourself: What can I look back on today that didn’t work out, but is now a gift?
You might be surprised at what you find.
Always in Motion,
Lauren Hoffman
With the Current Solutions
Lauren is an HR, Leadership, and Performance Coach helping others hit their goals, reach their potential, discover their talents, and navigate waves with ease.
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