LESSONS I DIDN’T KNOW I WAS LEARNING

"Sometimes you don’t realize the value of a moment until it becomes a memory."

— Dr. Seuss

Have you ever gone through a frustrating situation and felt depression, hopelessness, and self-pity? I have.

Right now, I am in the middle of one of those events. Looking back on the path I have traveled, I have learned there’s help to work through the pain. I now need to use a walker to help me walk. I have been humbled by needing to use a walker.

Several years ago, I started experiencing pain in my back, especially when I walked. I didn't worry much about it because the pain wasn't severe, and I was able to do any activity I wanted. I was accepted into the 2023/2024 Leadership Fresno Class 38. We visited many parts of Fresno during our class and learned a lot. There was a lot of walking during those days. I had trouble standing and keeping up with the group. By our last class, I needed a walker to get around.

I lived with the pain and complained about it for a year before I got help. I am sure my friends were tired of it. I tried several different things to deal with the pain. I tried acupuncture and massage (they didn't work; they woke up every nerve in my body), and chiropractic (which did help, and I am still seeing a chiropractor).

In July, I was in the hospital with kidney failure caused by the pain meds. The doctors stopped my Mobic and let me use Gabapentin. Gabapentin doesn't work much, but it helps a little.

You might be thinking, “What did she learn from that experience?” The other night, I was writing in my journal and asked myself, Why God? He helped me to understand how many good things I have going on.

·      I have good friends who are there for me when I need help.

·      I have learned to be humble and accept help when needed.

·      I have learned to be kind to myself and rest when I need to – It is not being lazy; it is caring for myself.

·      I have learned the importance of caring for myself and not trying to make everyone happy – I am still working on making this a reality.

·      I have learned to keep going. I continue to need rest and care for myself

Those are just a few things I have learned

I didn’t value this frustrating situation. Looking back at my last few years, I realize I can learn from them and appreciate what I've learned.

I used ChatGPT to look up practical tips to find the good in things in the difficult times!

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Here are some practical and reflective tips on turning a difficult situation into a learning opportunity — both mindset shifts and actionable steps:

🌿 1. Pause Before Reacting

When challenges hit, our first instinct is often emotional. Take time to breathe, process, and let your emotions settle. Clarity frequently arrives when the storm quiets.

“You can’t see your reflection in running water.” — Japanese Proverb

🌱 2. Ask: “What Is This Trying to Teach Me?”

Shift from “Why is this happening to me?” to “What can I learn from this?” Every setback carries a hidden lesson — resilience, boundaries, humility, or patience.

🌻 3. Reflect, Don’t Regret

Instead of replaying the situation in your mind with guilt or blame, examine it with curiosity. Journaling can help uncover patterns and insights.

Try writing: “What did this reveal about me?”

🌼 4. Separate the Lesson from the Pain

You can acknowledge how hard something was while still appreciating what it taught you. Healing and learning can happen at the same time.

🌾 5. Talk It Through With Trusted People

Sometimes others see the growth we can’t yet recognize. Share your experience with a mentor, counselor, or close friend — they can help frame it as a stepping stone instead of a setback.

🌺 6. Turn Insight Into Action

Growth doesn’t stop at awareness — it’s what you do with what you’ve learned. Ask, “How will I handle this differently next time?”

🌸 7. Practice Gratitude for the Lesson (Eventually)

You may not feel grateful right away — and that’s okay. But over time, try to find one good thing that came from the experience. Gratitude transforms pain into purpose.

“Out of difficulties grow miracles.” — Jean de La Bruyère

This week, reflect on what you've learned from your struggles.

Have a GREAT day!!