Looking Back, Taking Stock
by Emily Phifer, M.S. MFT
Often, we struggle through life seasons of challenges and set-backs with a laser focus on getting through to the other side. And with good reason! When our lives become disoriented, we instinctively long for resolve and resolution by seeking the solution to our struggle. But, what we often forget is how much we can gain by learning from how we survived and thrived in difficult times. By failing to look back and reflect, we cheat ourselves out of making significant realizations about what helped us to “get through”. These realizations and learned experiences help outfit us to be equipped for the next challenge we will face on our life journey. Take a moment to consider the following questions as you reflect on your past experiences.
Reflect:
- What challenge or struggle did I face in the past that I survived, and possibly overcame?
- What resources (inner or outward) did I draw upon to help me face this challenge?
- Were there people or organizations that were a support to me during my struggle?
- What surprised me about how I survived, and perhaps even thrived in this time?
- In what ways would I handle the same challenges differently now than I might have in the past?
- How did my season of struggle help contribute to my personal growth and who I am today?