What Works: Discovering opportunity in adversity
Submitted by editor on Mon, 08/11/2014 - 9:28am
It was a typical Friday. I was between appointments at the corner of Goni and College Parkway when, out of nowhere, my vehicle lost power. There was no warning, no flickering lights, just “boom, boom, out go the lights” as the song goes.
Stuck in the turning lane, there was only one thing I could do, take action. I called my insurance company which offers free towing. While on hold with them, I texted and got my 5:30 p.m. appointment handled. Once I was assured the tow truck was on its way, I paused. Everything happened so fast.
I was grateful for a cell phone that could multi-task, enough battery power to do what I had to do, and the presence of mind to do it all while also directing traffic around me. In essence, when I was without power, I found the powerful messages in my situation. Little did I know, it was just the beginning of what I would learn from this experience.
Lessons come from everywhere in life. Some of the longest lasting ones come in times of adversity. This weekend, I decided to try an experiment. I’ve always been a “do it myself” woman. I’m proud of my ability to stand tall in the midst of chaos and handle it. But, what would happen if I drew a line with myself? What if I consciously decided not to go into “fix it” mode?
I started by honoring the reality of the situation.
1) I have no money for extras until I know what my vehicle repair will cost. So there would be no distracting myself with things that would cost money.
2) I have no transportation. So no matter how much I want to do what I had planned over the weekend, I may not be able to get there.
I had to be OK with that reality. Only then, was I open to not “do it myself.”
What happened? People surprised me. Within moments of posting my situation on Facebook, my friends Adriana and Kristine stepped up to assure I could make my weekday commitments. Saturday, the owner of GMG Foreign Auto, came in on his day off to look at my vehicle. If I would have been able to drive a stick shift (note to self, LEARN) I would have had a loaner car.
But, I didn’t. So, another opportunity presented itself. Fellow members of Proscenium Players (PPI) picked me up and took me to Save Our Sass, where I spent the day listening to great music and selling baked goods to benefit Sassafras and PPI. I had the opportunity to give back to the community and get outside of myself and my vehicle problem.
Sunday, I received a call from my friend Chatwood who invited me to breakfast. He dropped me off at the Carson City Center for Spiritual Living afterward. The topic Reverend Karen Linsley delivered was “giving and receiving.” I received the message loud and clear. The entire weekend taught me how to let go of the “do it myself” mentality and learn how to give and receive with gratitude.
When I was being given a meal out, I provided friendship and coaching. When I was being given a ride, I realized I had given freely in the past to the person who was now giving to me. Instead of trying to manage it all myself, I let go and the people in my life truly surprised me. When you give, people give to you freely. Who knew such a great lesson could come from a broken down Benz?
What lessons can you learn from the adversity you have faced? Are you facing something right now and are having a hard time seeing the good in it? Let’s talk. The floor is yours, Carson City.
ABOUT DIANE HANSEN
Diane Hansen is the Chief Inspiration Officer of What Works Coaching, a coaching firm that has helped people worldwide with their businesses, careers, mindsets, and profit margins. She brings to Carson City more than 17 years of experience with a wide array of clients, ranging from top corporations, motivated entrepreneurs and individuals hungry for a fresh start. Her column appears every Monday on Carson Now.
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