Grasping Your Life with Both Hands

By Crystal Woods

Did you know that before bullfighting there was a magnificent Cretan sport (ancient Minoan civilization) called bull-dancing?

The bull dancers were unarmed, but using the principles still known in martial arts, literally took the bull by the horns, using it's own strength to perform magnificent acrobatics harmlessly up and over the charging beast.

Do you ever feel your life is a bit like that charging bull? If you do, would you like to know how to "dance" it into a thing of grace and beauty?

The secret is in facing it, taking hold of the horns, and turning them to your advantage. Make your greatest threat a tool to propel you higher than you could go alone. Or, to put it another way, turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.

This is what successful people of all walks of life already do. This is why so many self-made millionaires are from humble backgrounds. It's the attitude that they take: if they haven't got advantages, they're going to find them anywhere they can, and use them.

The next question is how?

What is the biggest threat in your life right now? Chances are it's something that seems like its going to bring change: a redundancy at work, a relationship breakdown, something else that you've assumed was stable suddenly seeming not quite so solid.

Now, take a look at the reasons why you are fearing this. Face the bull. Do you worry that you're not going to find another job/another partner? Why is that... are you really that unskilled or unlovable? Maybe this is exactly why the situation has come about - you need to address this belief. Maybe you're actually worth MORE than the old job was paying. Could it be that you've been forcing yourself to go to work at something you didn't like doing, and it's time for you to re-evaluate what you would enjoy doing better? Has the relationship degenerated into habit, and do you need to look again at just who the person is you've chosen to partner with? They won't be the same person as 10 years ago. Neither will you. Is it possible that you've grown in different directions, and need to stop holding each other back with outdated ideas of who you each are? Maybe you are now a better match, but in totally different areas.

Just think beyond the event you're facing - focus on the other side of the bull - and try to see just what is likely to change, and needs attention.

Now you're ready. Grab those horns. Make the changes before they're forced on you, on your OWN terms. Start looking at transfers to other departments you'd enjoy working in, interesting alternative companies, even at possible career changes to lines that have always intrigued you. Schedule some time with your partner to really communicate about how you've each changed, and what you each now bring to the relationship, and want to get from it (even if it is just supportive friendship). It's YOUR CHOICE at this stage. Make it, take it, and leap past the bull to the new life waiting for you on the other side.

About the Author

Crystal Woods is an author and entrepreneur who firmly believes that every one of us has a birthright to be able to believe in ourselves, to believe in the value we each have to offer the world, and in our right to be loved and appreciated. We deserve this not because of what we own or do, but simply because of who we are. Her site is based around this theme. Along with many resources, she offers a free monthly ezine with articles on self-esteem and life mastery, an upcoming question & answer section, and tips & tricks to stay on top of what’s trying to get you down.