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“Life Either Gives Us Blessings or Lessons”
للمقال باللغة العربية לכתבה בעברית
Dear Afifi Group Community,
With all the uncertainty we are facing with COVID worldwide yet again, I found myself reflecting a lot on the past 18 months. So much has happened, and we've all been impacted tremendously in different ways. The idea of resuming life is very exciting for so many, yet it doesn't seem as smooth and easy to navigate as hoped, especially as we seem to be moving back into more restrictions. We must recognize the challenge that comes with such uncertainty and its effect on many of us.
Life, if anything, has been showing us time and time again that change is constant in this world. I remember reading an article from the Harvard Business Review almost ten years ago that talked about adaptability and how it's the new competitive advantage for companies to succeed. Companies that can be flexible enough, quick enough to adapt and respond to change are the ones expected to thrive. I remember thinking back then how true this is not just for companies but for people as well. There is so much value in developing these qualities; to be flexible and adaptable enough to handle changes that life sends our way.
A few years later, during my training with the Co-active coaching model, it became more apparent how valuable these qualities of flexibility and adaptability to succeed in life. One of the central cornerstones of this model is what we call "Dancing in the Moment." It's about our ability to be flexible enough to work with what is happening in the present moment, move fluidly with what is going on, and change direction as needed. In life, it means to let go of "the old plan" and redraft a new one, to recognize the need for change, and to pivot. To do that, we need to be light on our feet and quick to move. We need to keep an open mind, get curious about what's possible, be willing to take risks, and ready to learn from our mistakes.
I find these skills hold even more value in our world today than ever before. However, it is equally essential to be anchored in who we are, to be clear on what we value most, and what our wants and needs are in life. Only then can our flexibility and adaptability help us navigate the changes and challenges of life successfully without drifting and getting lost along the way.
A few weeks ago, I was reminded of this saying that "life either gives blessings or lessons." It is a reminder that even in the most challenging times, we can always find blessings, and when it's too hard to find them, then look for the lessons. There is plenty to be learned.
Looking back on these past months, I realize my lesson has been about balance. The balance between getting anchored in "who I am" while being flexible enough to face life's challenges and adapt as needed. What about you? Looking back, what's been your lesson?
Sincerely,
Rasha Afifi-Talleh
Professional coach CPCC, ACC, INHC
