When things are going well, it is hard to suffer a large setback.

It can feel like a failure.

It can feel like a lack of forward movement.

It can feel like a large step back to the beginning of spiritual growth.

But the fact is… setbacks are a part of life… and I must learn to be kind to myself and accept each setback with grace as I work through my frustration.

I cannot mentally flog myself time-and-time again when suffering a setback.

I must reflect, create a fearless moral inventory, and look to see what may have caused this emotional, physical, and spiritual regression.

Have I been taking care of my emotional and physical health?

Have I been truthful and kind in all of my relationships?

Have my emotions been triggered due to a special event, holiday, or interaction with someone from my past?

Instead of being so hard on myself during a slip, I need to be patient and accept… that I am not perfect… and look at all of the good progress I have made on my journey.

_

“Dear God, help me to be kind to myself and accept that I will make mistakes. Help me to forgive myself and learn from my setbacks.”

(photo courtesy of Lois Cohn)

There have been times in my life where I have had to resolve myself to do something that I didn’t necessarily want to do.

When my husband told me he wanted a divorce in December of 2001, and still hadn’t filed any of the paperwork by May 2002, I knew that I would have to set a boundary, and resolve to move forward with the divorce on my own, so that I could continue on with my life instead of living out of control, in a limbo based on my soon-to-be ex-husband’s time frame.

When I chose to go back to school for my higher degrees, in the beginning, it was not for me, it was a resolution that I made so that my children would reap the benefits of my education. By going back to school, I was able to make enough money to stay in my family home, and continue our life there. Knowing I no longer needed to rely on my husband for financial support provided me with security, and boosted my self-esteem.

It is not always easy to make a resolution. Firm decisions are often hard when struggling with boundary issues, self-esteem issues, or insecurities related to past circumstances.

But by making a commitment to the future, we learn to stick to our resolve and walk forward bravely on our spiritual paths.

_

“Dear God, help me to follow my spiritual path. Help me to be true in all of my decisions and to follow my heart.”