When most of us see – CO2 – we think of our days in high school chemistry class when we learned that CO2 stood for carbon dioxide. Although there is no disputing this as fact, we are invited to consider expanding our definition of CO2 from a scientific notation to a spiritual perspective on life.
CO2 = challenges are opportunities X 2
Each of us has faced and will face challenges in our lives. Those challenges may include health concerns, pending surgery, job loss, the death of a friend or loved one, or adjusting to a new role as the parent of an empty nest. Maybe your challenges involve relationship struggles either personally or professionally. No matter what the challenge; along with any particular circumstances comes opportunity times two.
The first opportunity is to acknowledge the challenge as a chance to lean into our relationship with God. During the stress of facing a challenge there is no better time to recognize that we are not alone. God’s support can be felt by reaching out to others to share our story and receive the words of support and kindness that we long for. We can do something as ordinary as following our breath for 30 seconds reminding ourselves that God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath or spirit of life, and man became a living being (Genesis 2:7). Each breath we take can be a reminder that we are supported by God’s love. We can also opt to reach for a favorite scripture or inspired affirmation. Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…(Philippians 1:6) or We cannot – not be blessed. These are two favorites that keep me grounded in God’s presence and promise. There is no right or wrong way to lean into God’s love and support the important way is your way. In the face of a challenge take the opportunity to LEAN IN!
The X2 is the opportunity to see challenges as potential for growth. We can reframe a challenge as a blessing resulting in our growth. By asking ourselves some simple questions we can jumpstart the process of seeing challenges as valuable steps towards growth. Answering questions such as: “What can I learn from this?” “How can this strengthen me?” “How can I use this to help others?” “What would make this a worthwhile experience?” can help us feel empowered for ourselves and others, find the positive, gain the confidence, and know that we are not the victim of circumstances but that we have a choice in how we respond. (Everything changes when you see challenges as blessings — Advanced Life Skills)
Fact is CO2, carbon dioxide is a scientific notation and CO2 is also what gives soda its bubbles and fizz. It’s fair to say that CO2 is a real blessing to soda. I venture to say; CO2 = Challenges are Opportunities X 2, is what gives our lives its fizz and pizzazz. Even more importantly if we choose challenges can be opportunities.
CO2 = Challenges are Opportunities X 2
Lean In & Choose Growth!
