I find it highly fascinating that life gives me exactly the circumstances I need to practice and apply everything I'm learning on my enlightenment journey. Recently, I've been studying how our thoughts can change our lives. It's amazing how easy we can ruin our day by the story we allow our minds to make. Since becoming much more Zen, it takes quite a bit to ruffle my feathers. I've become quite strong in areas I was once weak. However, I find it beautiful that life has this perfect way of always taking us to the next level. We get to see that there are still rats in our cellar. My current work position provides me with plenty of trying situations. I'm having to negotiate new relationships, deal with politics, policies, and different personalities. All of it is challenging and not always sunshine and rainbows, but because it is hard, I know it will be worth it. Plus, I've learned that you can't really run from difficulties. What we try to avoid comes up ...