Author : John Carvana
Despite her professional demeanor, Wendy was very upset over the way she had been treated throughout the interview process. She had been with the company for eight years and her performance reviews were impressive. Clients and co-workers liked her and she chaired several important committees thus expanding her impact and visibility.It only seemed natural that when her supervisor decided to accept another position and move to Colorado, that she would want to be considered for his position. She had proven her capabilities and had some ideas of her own as to how the department could operate even more efficiently. The fact that the position had to be posted and that other candidates would be brought in was of little concern to her. She was confident she would put her best effort forward (as she had always done) and let the chips fall where they may.Not only did she not get the job, but during the course of the interview process the CEO of the company refused to meet with her but did meet with the other candidates. To make matters worse, the candidate who was offered and accepted the position was given an even broader title and set of responsibilities (and a much larger salary) than the original position offered. Were his qualifications and experience significantly superior to hers? No! So why was she overlooked, she thought to herself so many times? The answer would soon become obvious.Shortly after her new "boss" reported to work, it was clear that the two of them would be challenged by having to work together. It was just a matter of time before someone would have to leave. She didn't want to leave as she had roots in the community, but Life had other plans for her.Wendy was contacted by an acquaintance who informed her of an outstanding opportunity with another more impressive company. She applied for the position and was almost immediately hired. While she did have to relocate, at least it wasn't to the extent that posed too much of an inconvenience. Her responsibilities, title and salary were even higher than what was offered to her former "boss". As Wendy relayed her story, it was apparent to me that despite the seemingly unfair treatment she endured at her previous company, in actuality Life had something better in store for her.I was further reminded of my own past situations. Similar to Wendy, I had achieved some impressive outcomes for the company and attracted national recognition for a program I created. In addition, I provided a level of leadership that resulted in, among other things, our department achieving a level of credibility with our stakeholders that had not been in place for quite some time. Despite my accomplishments, I stood in the center while several members of my team were promoted pass me and were given impressive levels of responsibility (including salary increases). Was I upset? You bet! Shortly after my then supervisor left his position and his replacement came on board, almost immediately, I was offered a higher position with an increased salary and more responsibility.So here is the point of these two stories. It is important to remember during times of despair that Life is always working in your best interest. Always! We all have wishes, dreams and expectations of ourselves, our circumstances and of others. In addition to these dreams, expectations and circumstances we also attach (sometimes without realizing it) our own timeframe as to when these gifts should be given to us. We also attach our own ideas as to how these gifts should look when they come to us.It's important to recognize that what may initially seem like a cruel act of fate oftentimes turns out to be Life's way of giving you what you need, when you need it. Here's are a list of things some of my clients have reported as being their blessings in disguise:- "If I had not been fired, I never would have written a grant to establish a cardiovascular fitness center which, according to area physicians, was directly responsible for improving the life and longevity of several community elders."- "If my wife had not been fired from her job years ago, we may not have made the decision for her to be a stay-at-home Mom which has resulted in our raising two incredible children."- "If I had not lost my job, I may not have moved my family to a place that offered a better educational system, a warmer climate and a better lifestyle for us all."- "If my car had not broken down, I would have taken our fourteen (14) year old cat to the vet to be euphonized. Unbeknown to us at the time, his weight loss was treatable and not attributed to any life-threatening illness."It's clear that Life works in the best interest of all living creatures.These are just a few personal examples of how Life always wants the best for each of us. There are many, many more examples each of us has to offer. For example, think back to a time when you feel you were being dealt an unfair situation. Maybe it was while you were in a relationship and your partner cheated on you. At the time, the impact was devastating, but that "defining moment" is what inspired you to find the true love of your life or to make decisions that changed and improved your life forever. Try to recall a time when you truly felt your life had hit rock-bottom. Fast forward…can you now recognize how that event was directly responsible for the current improvements in your life? What initially appears as a curse is, oftentimes, a blessing in disguise.In the midst of what appears to be a crisis, it may seem hard to find the blessings or silver-lining that Life is giving you. That's why during these times it's important to find solitude for reflection and meditation. It's also a time to find ways to ensure you are doing your best to take care of yourself emotionally, spiritually and physically. Life will bring you the things you need (not necessarily what you want) in due time.Keep this in mind the next time you express your desires in thought or prayer and begin to feel you have been denied because they are not realized according to the timeframe you've set. According to Life, "Not now" should not be interpreted as a, "No." Life wants the best for you and will always give you what you need when you need it…always!John P. Carvana is a certified Life Purpose and Career Coach. With almost thirty years as a career service practitioner, John has assisted hundreds of individuals in career transition. He is the President and Founder of Level Playing Field Consulting and can be contacted at www.discoveredpurpose.com.This article may be reprinted along with copyright information.
Copyright 2006 John P. Carvana, LPF Consulting
Keyword : life purpose, coaching, career, relationships, job, spirituality, self-improvement, faith
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