Challenge or Opportunity: Gratitude as Motivator for

Dear You,

Ok, so you got a lousy diagnosis (I did). Darn it! Damn
it! This was not part of the plan. OK, deal with it. Do
what you have to do. Ask questions. Have tests. Have
consultations. Have second opinions. Have surgery.
Recover. Get on with it.

Whether relaxing at the world class spa resort having had a
massage, facial, delicious meal served pool side or sitting
in the radiologist's office awaiting results of the third
round of x rays, it is possible to direct your thinking to
greet each challenge as an opening. Yes – you can. It's a
version of saying, yes to it all and being willing to
understand that within every situation, even the
challenging ones, exists an opportunity (the result of that
diagnosis is a book entitled, The Not-so-Scary Breast Cancer
Book). I love knowing that. I didn't know it all my life
and it is truly life changing to be able to be in touch with
the power to use gratitude as a motivator for change. Yes,
it is power.

Are you feeling like a victim? Are you enriched by your
opportunities? Are you willing to take time such as a visit
to a spa to ponder and relax and be open for possibilities?

The spa experience is ideal for generating new and delicious
possibilities. Whether you travel to one of the popular,
well known spa locations, or create a spa like setting in
your own garden, you can benefit from setting that time and
space aside to review how it is with your world and what
you'd like to change. Consider the possibilities even if
your budget is limited:
•Getaway Package (you turn off the ringer on your phone)
•Aromatherapy Massage (sit in the sun with your favorite
lotion)
•European Facial (maybe you could try that mask that's been
in the drawer)
•Spa Manicure (take turns with a friend or splurge and make
an appointment)
•Spa Pedicure (a really special treat—include a soak while
you read something uplifting or inspiring)
•Spa Gift (make an i.o.u. and begin to save spare change to
treat yourself later)

And, if cash is flowing, consider this option:
Eco-spas are set in a natural or protected area and have a
major commitment to incorporating environmentally friendly
practices such as organic gardening, water conservation, and
ecological building design. They encourage sensitivity to
the natural environment and wildlife through education of
spa-goers, and may also promote the well being of local
people and culture by preserving indigenous healing
traditions and ingredients. Thus you'd combine travel and
education along with your spa experience.

In addition to a variety of spa options, there are many,
many ways to view any situation or fact or incident. I say,
choose gratitude. Yes, regardless of the challenge, it is
possible to build new muscles while handling it and become
stronger in the process. I wish it for you! Please visit
the website http://www.lifestylecatalysts.com/usp.html and
let me know how you are turning your challenges into
opportunities. Big hugs.

Love,

Leslie

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Lifestyle Catalysts Kris Carey & Leslie Gebhart are
certified life coaches who ask:
Are you tired of people telling you you're too sensitive?
Be a part of their complimentary conversation for Uniquely
Sensitive People the first Monday of each month:
http://www.lifestylecatalysts.com/usp.html