Life is an unpredictable journey and can throw many curveballs. With all the hardships we face navigating our way from infancy towards toddlerhood, through preschool to adolescence, and all the way up through the different stages of adulthood (young, middle-aged, and elderly), we are constantly living at the mercy of life happening to us, instead of for us.
Every now and then, we face certain situations or circumstances that shape the course of our lives.
Whether we are in the drivers’ seat or the passenger’s, turning points affect us in many ways.
Small or large, mundane or extraordinary - these situations, milestones, high points, and achievements mold us into the next phase of our growth, levelling us up to our next standard, whichever way that may look for you.
Turning points often force us to re-assess, re-evaluate and re-think the direction of our life.
They can be positive or negative and often test us to reconsider our priorities, beliefs, actions and behaviours.
They can bear a profound impact on us as we confront new situations, make difficult decisions, and navigate unfamiliar terrain. They can highlight areas where changes need to be made or where important aspects of our lives have been neglected.
Turning points occur multiple times over our lifetime and are usually initiated through stressful situations.
It’s important at these moments to pivot from the challenges in a positive and compassionate manner, as these are often the instances that shape our identity, for how we respond depicts who we are.
Remember we are always at choice. Difficult times can be a catalyst for growth and the setbacks you face will always enhance your resilience. Embracing turning points can be challenging and is an essential part of our personal growth and development.
Ultimately, how we respond will shape our character and the course of our lives.
Take time to reflect on the meaning you have given to these turning points and how they have impacted you.
As we should always be striving to be the best version of ourselves, turning points are that constant reminder to accept situations, take things in our stride, let go of the need to control, and grow from the enriching lessons gathered along the way.
Focus on the opportunities that challenge present and see how pivoting can help alter the course of your life in a positive way.
It’s important to welcome these instrumental moments of change and uncertainty with curiosity. With the chance for self-reflection, we can better understand our strengths and our weaknesses.
As turning points pull us out of our comfort zones, we are forced to confront old patterns and behaviours which can be challenging, uncomfortable, and unpredictable.
However, with greater hardship comes greater appreciation.
When we can turn our lives around to adapt and swivel with the ever-constant challenges and woes life throws at us, we will develop our muscles of resilience and remain authentic to ourselves in the ever-expanding journey of positive change towards the overall betterment of our emotional, mental and physical well-being.
Hyesha Barrett
coach.hyesha@gmail.com
The writer is a life coach and NLP practitioner
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
