Adjustment Disorder

I got this message from God today,

when people tell you nice things, stop shrugging them off as if they are nothing.

The sincere compliments you receive are your jewels, – collect them in your heart, – they highlight the beauty of your being and empower you during challenging times. Never say ‘oh, it’s nothing’ or shrug your shoulders when you hear a sincere compliment. Pause, breathe it in, and really feel its meaning.

Do you ever get the feeling that God is giving you a wink to let you know that you are in the right direction?  I started seeing a life coach last week.  Okay, so we only had one session but I feel like I am on the right path.  I am not sure where it will lead but I am confident that it will help.

She is covered by our insurance so of course she needs to give a “medical diagnosis” to ensure that the insurance company will pay for the visits.  So, she tells me that I have “adjustment disorder”.  That is a nice term for saying she is going to help me find my purpose in life (with a spiritual base) and restore my confidence and self-esteem.  It is nice to know that there is a medical term for being “stuck”.

I have always become absorbed in my work and then with raising Belinda.  As Belinda when off to college, I still had a crazy work schedule and commute.  When I semi-retired, I thought that I would just move on to the next stage in my life.  The problem was – I wasn’t sure who I was?  What my purpose was?  Jody (the life coach) asked me several questions that I really couldn’t answer.  She also recommended that I read the book the “Purpose Driven Life“.  Wanting to be the good student, I headed home to download it on my iPad.

Guess what?  If you choose to accept this mission, you will be walking along with me on this journey.  I hope to be able to share my experiences  in an effort to help others who may be “stuck”.  The first 3 questions in the book to ponder were:

• Have you ever wondered about, or felt confused about, the purpose of your life?

HELLO!!!  This is why I am reading the book.  I thought I had it figured out when I was a social worker in the early years of HIV/AIDS but then I was drawn in another direction.  Or, did I opt out for what I thought was my purpose.

• What ways have you tried to discover your life’s purpose that haven’t worked?

Tried workshops, conferences, and self-help books. I have taken assessment tests and surveys.  I have prayed but I don’t think I have listened for an answer.  I guess my experiment with drugs was even an attempt to figure out my purpose.  If something had worked, would I still be STUCK!

• Why do you think people try to discover their life’s purpose without turning to God, their creator?

As for me, I have turned to God but I don’t think I have stopped long enough to hear his answer.  Maybe I am afraid that the answer that he gives me is one that I won’t like.  Is that really possible if we are truly hunting for our true purpose.

Since the book is a daily reading with questions to ponder, I will spare you from a daily self assessment.  I will share with you the things that make me go AHA and those that I struggle with along the way.

The little voice in my head (no I do not have multi-personalities) continues to tell me that by sharing this journey and my other struggles, I am sabotaging my business.  I can only hope that by letting you know that I am human, I may be able to help someone else who has struggled in the same way.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!