My parents and I didn't always see eye to eye. We were often not  aligned in our viewpoints.  I remember a visit with them one weekend when we were engaged in a battle of wills. We all seemed to be more concerned with being right, rather than being effective. I found myself irritated at their refusal to accept me as I am (even in the midst of my adulthood). When I took the time to pay attention, however, I realized that I was engaged in the same challenge--refusing at some levels to accept them. In the midst of the heat of the discomfort, I was presented with an opportunity. I could either attempt to validate my view (and risk alienation and rejection) or I could simply release the need for approval. The difficulty of the situation provided me with the opportunity to decide in my actions who it is that I wished to be in that moment. Did I want to be self-righteous, victimized or loving and compassionate? It was not a judgment about the choice; it was simply clarity around the choice that I was making. I was able to step back from the emotion and realize that the conflict was not a punishment. It was a gift.

What are your current challenges? What difficulties are you experiencing in your life at this moment? How might this opportunity be a gift (perhaps cleverly disguised)? If you were able to look into your future, how might this experience serve you in creating greater success in your life?

Success or sabotage? Every experience, interaction and challenge is either one or the other; the choice is always yours to make.

Is this going to be an incredible day?  Where are the opportunities to make it so?