As I sit here this morning and think about the utter devastation that has hit Japan and other parts of the world in the recent earthquake and related tsunami/tidal waves, I am reminded quite soundly that I have no problems to speak of. Yes, I have worries and "issues" to deal with here and there. But compared to the magnitude of a natural disaster affecting an entire country or two, those concerns are really insignificant to say the least.

It's true though that sometimes we do feel like we are facing our own personal earthquake or natural disaster. That it's as if the ground underneath us is literally moving beneath our feet faster than we can process. That our spirit and reality has been slammed against a rocky shore by a crushing wave of crisis. I've had my share of these kinds of times and am so incredibly grateful to have gotten through them in one piece.

But I am also grateful FOR these difficulties because they have made me grow in knowledge, character and spirit, challenged me to become more than I ever thought possible, and inspired me to become more grounded, compassionate and resilient among other things. They've reminded me of just how abundant my life is in terms of love, friends, health, opportunities and so much more. In truth, these challenges have actually been some of the greatest gifts I've received in my life.

Another reason I am thankful for the "learning opportunities" I've been given, especially those from the last couple of years and related to my former business, is that I've been able to share them with others. In particular, I've been able to share them with other entrepreneurs and spa owners who have experienced similar difficulties and problems.

After reading my words and hearing about my "triumph" over the tragedy of closing my last spa - and dealing with all the fallout financial and otherwise that came from it - many people have told me that they were so glad to know they weren't alone. Others have confided that they were now going through a similar situation and were glad to see it was possible to get through it with one's sanity and optimism in tact. And some have simply said they were glad to know I was in fact human and fallible. 

With that in mind, I want to share one of my latest endeavors with you. "Thank God I...Volume 3" is a compilation of stories of "triumph through tragedy" including mine. It has just been released and holds an amazing amount of wisdom, insight, courage and gratitude from each of the authors. I am proud to be a part of it and thankful for one more opportunity to pass on the knowledge that I have gained from my own "tragedy." Click here to learn more about "Thank God I..."

In the meantime, whatever challenges you are going through, I encourage you to look for the gift, lesson or wisdom that is hidden inside of it. Know that you are not alone and that you will make it through this. Namaste.