We've all felt the expression "When it rains, it pours." This last month has really brought that home for me. Summertime usually offers me a chance to spend time more time with the kids, take a fun trip with the family, and gain introspect as I force myself to take time annually to evaluate my business direction.

However, my nanny quit (I didn't want that much time with the kids!), our internship program has mushroomed in popularity (consuming my business efforts), we're closing on a new home (I have to pack?), and our family vacation has to be in Las Vegas to match my husband's work travel schedule (try keeping 3 kids happy in 105 degree heat)!

But through it all, I know several truths that remain throughout any transition. These truths apply to your own turmoil too. Here are ten absolute facts about any trial or tribulation:

1. An untested mind will not know what it can overcome.
   We only know what we can withstand by being tested to our limits. The universe never gives more than we can handle - be proud of your resiliancy!
2. Turmoil offers new opportunity.
   Turmoil causes us to explore where we've never been before. It pushes us to find even better solutions to an existing situation.
3. Trials are not over when the troubles no longer exist.
   If you do not deal with the problem presenting itself to you, the lessons linger on. You will only truly eliminate a problem when the lesson is no longer needed. Be honest, think hard, and determine what the real challenge is in your situation and then work to embrace the challenge!
4. Don't brace against the inevitable force of challenge.
   Learn that the weight of any challenge can be used against itself. Each opposing force has its own momentum which when side-stepped, can topple it down. In other words, the burden of being out of work can pull you down into depression or you can choose to use this event to catapult you into new career directions.
5. Tribulations are natural consequences of living.
   Only dead people don't have problems.
6. Troubles are traps to the weak and triumphs to the overcomer.
   One says "ow"; the other says "wow."
7. Chaos takes us off autopilot.
   There is nothing better for waking us up to our potential than chaos. Chaos can generate creativity, resourcefulness, and problem-solving skills that can lead you to your ultimate destiny.
8. Problems are more about our focus than the actual obstacle.
   Out of problems, your reactions will manifest your mind's design. If you can see the goal versus the obstacle, you can achieve your greatest desires.
9. Difficulty is custom-fit to groom our character.
   Difficulty calls for a solution. Each difficulty is an opportunity to engage Divine deliverance.
10. Life transitions are better understood in the rear view mirror.
    Many times you'll never know why you are going through any particular challenge until time has passed. Know that you are being forged now for greatness later! The higher the heat the greater your future reward!

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