Discouragement – a way to assess our emotions. It is natural that the pendulum swings both ways. Discouragement isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it can also be a gage for whether our life is going the way we want it to. It can absolutely indicate the need for change; whether in emotions, attitude, or actions. It can also let you know how much you have grown and changed; a lifestyle or way of doing things no longer serves you. It doesn’t mean to give up, it means to hang in there and decide what to do next to elevate your mood. It can indicate the need to take a powerful assessment of where we are and what the next step is. Anything, even an emotion as strong as discouragement, can be used to help us grow. It’s up to us to decide what to do

Sometimes the best action is no action. When unsure what to do next, do nothing. The next step to take will be revealed. This may occur in the form of a thought, a phrase, or simply a feeling. There is no way to know how it will occur; the main thing is, it will. The I Ching talks about ‘modesty’. Modesty is being open and receptive. When this occurs, we are helped by Spirit. Let go of preconceived notions of how things must happen. Certainly do your part, but then release it, knowing the next step to take will be revealed.

Every New Years is hyped with the chance for a change. This is the year I…(fill it in). Then, when the next year rolls around, many of us are scratching their heads, wondering why these changes haven’t happened. I have a theory; besides the obvious – not following through. There are also other less obvious reasons: new outside circumstances which sometimes make it necessary to be more flexible. Maybe, the idea is to go with the flow more. Still have your goal in mind, however allow the details to evolve as things change. Sometimes it helps to go one step at a time, instead  of a having a huge goal but no specific plans. If you make one small change at a time, allowing each new step to solidify before going on to the next one, you stand a good chance of succeeding.