Our biggest challenges provide us with a means for serving others. Some of the world's greatest leaders and saints have undergone crisis or trauma in their own lives and have grown as a result of their challenges. Abraham Lincoln lost eight elections, declared bankruptcy twice and had a nervous breakdown between the age of 31 and 58 - all before he was ever elected President! No one understands another person's pain and can best support them than someone who has been there. That's why recovering alcoholics are the best champions for those entering recovery. In the book, You Can Heal Your Life, Louise Hay asserts, "It is my opinion that many really good teachers do not come from joyful households where all is easy. They come from a place of much pain and suffering and they've worked through the layers to reach the place where they can now help others to become free".

At one time I was confused about many of my childhood experiences. Pain and conflict arose from having had a mother who was ill most of her life. It took considerable emotional and spiritual healing for me to recognize the incredible strength my background provided. Today, I can clearly see that any difficulty has only deepened my ability to be compassionate, forgiving and to be of service to others. Truly, how can we genuinely be fully present for someone if we haven't remained open to our own feelings? I know people who avoid other people's suffering because of their unwillingness to deal with their own pain and likewise, I know people who are emotionally available to others despite the amount of anguish in the circumstance. And because of their willingness to transmute their life's pain into a healing force, the latter are truly angels in disguise True vision means having the willingness to see your life experiences through eyes anew.

1. Instead of judging your past experiences, consider how they have helped you get to this point. Keep in mind that everything we experience is either love or a call for love.

2. Think of a situation you have been struggling with or are having difficulty releasing. What life-changing lessons can you glean from it? Compassion? Sensitivity? Forgiveness? Self-appreciation? What are they? Remember, your difficulties are blessings in disguise. You only remain a victim of your circumstances to the extent that you're not aware of the purpose they serve in your life.

3. Remind yourself, daily, that every circumstance is an opportunity for opening your heart.

Allow your mind to run free and be willing to see your challenges in a new light. Shift your thought patterns and your attitude will change accordingly and as your attitude shifts, your circumstances will improve as well. I once read, "Attitude is the mind's paintbrush. It can color any situation!"