Saturday, June 14, 2014

GRATITUDE for the UNEXPECTED

We try to live our lives as predictable, safe and routine as possible. We would rather not have surprises or unexpected events. Living life expectantly keeps things in perspective, helps maintain lower stress levels and makes planning  easier. 

I have learned that it's in the unexpected events that I experience the most learning, growth and at times the greatest joy. We can learn and even relearn important lessons from any experience. "What can I learn from this?" can be an insightful and life altering question to answer for ourselves. 

Earlier today, I stopped at a gas station / mini market near my home to purchase my favorite canned soft drink. As I entered the market I walked to the cooler where I knew my particular soft drink is ALWAYS found. I opened the cooler door and saw that the space usually occupied by my drink was filled with a different drink. ZAP! My routine, which I had comfortably repeated many times before, was disrupted, thrown completely off! I just stood there... staring ... Kinda lost. I then heard a sweet soft voice say, "did you want this one?" I was a little stunned!  There was no one standing anywhere near me. I looked around...nothing. Then, appearing directly before my eyes, was a gloved hand protruding from within the cooler holding my particular soft drink. Boy Howdy! I was taken back a bit. Then peering into the low light within the cooler I saw one of the employees gently smiling at me. She was restocking the coolers, recognized me and knows what I drink. My routine broken, I was preparing for disappointment, but no...I got the unexpected. 

The unexpected serves a valued purpose. Cherish those events, opportunities and periods of growth. 


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About Me

I have a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology am a Certified Master Subconscious Restructuring Counselor and Coach, Behavioral Consultant, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and NLP Master Practitioner. I've worked in the specialty areas of personal change, optimizing individual potential and behavioral consulting for over 25 years. I served as Director of Psychiatric Rehabilitation for a Regional Mental Health Center, Directed a Certified Academic Institution which trained counselors, taught Combat Medicine and War Time Psychiatry at the School of Healthcare Sciences USAF and presents at seminars and conferences. I am the founder of Life Management Services, a community social service and counseling agency, served 14 years in the U.S. Air Force then went to work in state and community mental health agencies until establishing Life Management Services in 1996.

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