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Gain Strength from Disappointment
Julie Murphy • January 6, 2021
In 2006, I bought a house that I thought would not only help my dad heal but extend his life after having two major strokes. In my mind, this house would be the BEST. THING. EVER! My dad would be happy, I’d be happy, it would give my family so much relief, and I would be a family SHERO. But guess what? It didn’t work out that way. My family was indifferent to my major purchase, Dad didn’t want to go stay there like I thought he would have, and I was stuck doing all the work and footing the bill. Talk about disappointment. What I imagined the outcome to be was far from the reality that transpired. That kind of let down was tough to face.
When things don’t go the way we expect them too, the sadness can lead to a momentary pity party, or hiding in bed with the covers pulled over our head for days! How we react all depends on the kind of emotional investment we have made in our goals and desires.
No matter the size of the disappointment, we have to make a decision: stay stuck in misery, or choose to acknowledge the hurt, grow from the experience and move on. It may not feel like it, but your response is within your control.
When we want something, we build it up in our minds. We fantasize and dream about the rewards that come with our desires: how good we’ll look in that new car, the benefits that will come with a big promotion, or how deeply we’ll feel loved once we get married. New and exciting life milestones seem like they should be filled with unbridled happiness, but many times they turn out to be far less than the perfect scenarios we envisioned.
If things don’t go as planned, it doesn’t mean you should abandon your hopes of being successful and getting what you want. Learning how to deal with disappointment along the way is just as important as celebrating your accomplishments.
The things that are most worthwhile in life – whether that is love, a dream career, or being a parent – rarely come easily. There will always be struggles, no matter how good you may have it. But those who are most successful know how to keep those struggles — the everyday annoyances and more significant disappointments — in their place and in perspective.
The choice of whether those stressors will tear you down is entirely up to you. Will it be hard to make the choice to thrive some days? Absolutely. But remember that continuing to take steps towards an authentic life – especially during the hard days – will create some of the most fulfilling moments you will ever experience.
Let’s go back to my purchase of that house. After years of frustration and disappointment, I decided to make a change. I realized that my expectations, and attachment to the emotional outcome I desired was doing me more harm than good. I finally decided to sell the house and let myself and my family off the emotional hook I created. It was a great decision. My investment was repaid and releasing that property, along with my expectations, opened me to a new and less stressful connection to my family.
Next time you face a disappointment, use these tips to build resiliency:
1. Try to see the situation from the perspective of an outside observer. As much as possible, detach from the situation and see if this brings more clarity and balance to your reaction.
2. Avoid negative self-talk about what happened. Thoughts like, ‘this always happens to me,” or “I was foolish to think I could make that work”, create a cycle of blame and shame that only serves to hold you back from your desires.
3. Think of personal challenges as opportunities for change and growth. Every experience is ripe for learning. By deciding that mishaps can have a real purpose, you are building resiliency.
4. Choose your next steps. Life will go on so you can adapt to the situation or chart a different course. Staying stuck in a swirl of disappointment will only weigh you down.
Clear the emotional clutter and create a space of acceptance and tranquility to allow yourself to connect fully with your inner desires. Doing this is the most rapid way to let your authentic self come to the surface.
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As life moves forward, it’s easy to let distractions pull your energy in too many directions. That’s why it’s crucial to regularly revisit your intentions. Are they still aligned with where you want to go? Take time to refocus. This might mean creating new financial goals or reaffirming old ones. By re-centering your intentions, you’re not only redirecting your energy—you’re also inviting the universe to step in and help you make those goals a reality. 4. The Universe Responds to Action We’ve all been there: thinking, dreaming, planning—but not doing. This is where the fourth spiritual law comes in as a loving nudge. The universe can only respond when you take action. What steps have you taken lately toward your financial goals? Even small actions—like setting up an automatic savings plan or looking into a new investment—send powerful signals to the universe that you’re serious about manifesting abundance. And the universe will respond! The more action you take, the more opportunities seem to “magically” appear. Remember, action doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, but be consistent. Every step you take builds momentum toward your goals. Why Reapplying the Laws Matters Life is full of changes. Your financial situation, goals, and even your mindset will evolve over time. That’s why it’s essential to revisit and reapply the 4 Spiritual Laws of Money regularly. They’re not static rules but a dynamic, flexible framework that grows with you. Think of these laws like a compass for your financial journey. Whenever you feel off track, return to them. When you’re uncertain about your next move, let them guide you. The more you use them, the more they’ll become a natural part of how you think and act around money. Embrace the Journey Remember, financial growth is a journey, not a destination. There will be twists, turns, and perhaps a few bumps along the way, but with the 4 Spiritual Laws of Money, you’re never lost. 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Clear the path to prosperity by focusing on what truly serves your highest good in terms of wealth and well-being.