A big problem at work, a marital upset, an investment gone bad. Over the years I’ve spoken with numerous clients on just about every level and type of crisis. And my advice is always the same. “Don’t react. To be in your power you must act.”
Life is hard at times. Jobs, relationships and finances can push us to the edge of our mental, emotional and physical limits. When an overwhelming challenge arises, it is natural to react. This is called the fight or flight response. It is the impulse that can save us from danger, like an oncoming car, or a menacing stranger. But when it comes to non-physical threats, we are far better off to override the survivor mechanism and take some time to develop a plan consciously.
Have you ever made an impulsive decision that you later regretted? If so, you were reacting—NOT acting. Have you ever been relieved that you didn’t follow through on what would have been a rash decision? If so, you understand what it is to act consciously from your place of power.
A client of mine named Cheryl had a disagreement with her boss and became so upset that she quit on the spot. Her grievances were legitimate: not enough pay, unsteady hours and an unpleasant break room. She quickly found a new job, this one with better pay, regular hours and a bright employee lounge. Or so it seemed. Within three months of her employment she learned the business had been sold and was moving to a dingy building across town, adding to her commute. Next a company reorganization dropped her pay, changed her hours and the new location had no break room at all.
“What happened?” Cheryl asked. “Did I create this?”
“Unfortunately, I believe you did. When you impulsively quit your last job, you weren’t in a place of power. And decisions made from a place of instinct rather than intuition, do not improve the circumstances; instead that negative emotional imprint follows you to the next situation.”
I could sense that while Cheryl was bewildered, she intuitively knew what I was saying was true. Emotions are the clay of manifestation. The stronger the emotion the more potent their effect in your reality—for good or bad. When Cheryl walked out on that job, she thought she was leaving those grievances and her negative emotions about them behind. But what she didn’t know, was that what she did not want had stronger energy (and thus more manifesting power) than what she did want. The next step was to work on an energetic strategy for manifesting a new position based on positive emotions. In other words: consciously act from a place of power.
“OK so how do I create the job I do want?”
“First, it’s about intention. Focus on what you do want and then why you want it. Check in with your intuition and imagine the how you’ll feel in your perfect job. Then create a list of positive attributes that job will have and the feelings it will bring forth from within you. This sets the course for you to find a new job from your place of power.”
A few weeks later I heard from Cheryl. Her job search had not only been successful, but her career was in the best place it had ever been. Her ability to act consciously had paid off big time.
No matter what kind of problem you encounter, the key to your personal triumph is to stay in your power and not react impulsively. Bring your consciousness to bear on the situation, so you may have greater clarity and be able to make decisions that foster your highest good. Intuition is at the heart of your personal power. The universe has an action plan at the ready for you and your intuition will guide you if given the opportunity. But, often the most difficult time to hear our inner voice is when we are in a crisis.
Another important piece of my crisis advice is what I call The 3-Day Rule: Don’t make any decisions for at least 3 full days.
Your thoughts and emotions need time to settle down. Breathe deeply so you can begin to receive the messages your soul is sending you. Now I’m not saying that you’ll have crystal-clear clarity on the third day, but you will be taking the conscious steps to create a plan you can act on from your place of power as you venture ahead.
And don’t forget to ask for help from your trusted team of spirit guardians. They are your most valuable allies.