# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
STRUGGLE makes you STRONGER - Motivational Video

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Failures, obstacles, and hardships are all a part of the road that leads to success - even if that isn't the story we commonly hear. See how some of our members greatly pursued their callings no matter what stood in their way so they could #ChaseGreat. See more stories: http://lnkd.in/ChaseGreat

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Need motivation? Check out my motivation book called "Let Do This!": http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/B009IXMC74 A short motivational video about dealing with the ups and downs in life. Daily motivation at http://www.facebook.com/motivational Download song at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/capo-productions/id353027096 Visit: http://www.motivationalwellbeing.com/motivational-quotes.html to read motivational quotes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Motivational Video - Overcoming Adversity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Please subscribe to my main YouTube channel... http://YouTube.com/WatchDustin360. This is a video that I was inspired to create after stumbling across this song on itunes. Check out www.dustin360.com or look me up on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. I hope to create additional videos as ispiration strikes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Photo Licensed from Shutterstock

Challenges are an inevitable part of life. Whether it be challenging times, people or circumstances, most of us can relate to coming up against roadblocks in life that feel hard, unfair, or that can even be devastating at times.

Some people face the most unthinkable tragedies and somehow come out the other side stronger. Others crumble under the weight of the pressure and heartache they face.

In times of struggle, having a resilient spirit becomes an asset that seems to transform challenges into opportunities for growth.

The question then becomes, how do we learn and grow from our challenges instead of becoming trapped or swallowed by them? How do we shape that transformation to help us move forward, instead of leaving us stuck?

While there is no obvious or "one size fits all" solution to becoming more resilient, these are some of the ways that have helped me turn my challenges into opportunities for growth and self-transformation:

Perspective
The lens we view our world through is as individual as we are. What we see and believe to be true, is not "the" truth, it is "our" truth. If the truth we live by is no longer serving us, or has us coming up against the same hard lesson over and over, perhaps it is time to look at adopting a different perspective that "will" move us forward. Changing our minds about something can be an extremely liberating act that expands our horizons. Looking at the same issue through a different lens has a way of opening up new doors of possibilities that can actually help us see things from a fresh and hopeful perspective. When we practice looking at life from different viewpoints, it becomes more natural to feel compassion for other people and for ourselves. With perspective, we can come closer to finding the lesson or opportunity for growth in just about any situation.

Honesty
In order to move forward, we need to be honest with ourselves. What is it that we truly want? What do we need? How are we really feeling? Putting on a brave face or sugar coating things can create the illusion to everyone around us that everything is great, but if we aren't being honest with ourselves, it won't be long before a serious feeling of uneasiness creeps into our being. We may be able to temporarily trick ourselves into believing the façade, but we can't hide from ourselves for very long. I believe that the sooner we are honest with ourselves and honor ourselves by living from a place of integrity, the easier it becomes to face challenges with grace and a willingness to learn. The closer we bring the image we portray out into the world with our inner truth, the more at peace we will be. When we speak and live our truth, that congruency alone will help us feel an unwavering inner strength that will make it more fluid to move through challenges as they arise.

Openness
When we approach life ready, open and willing to move forward, that is exactly what we will do. The same is true for when we are closed off and refuse to budge on an issue that causes us angst... we will stay stuck with the same level of fervor. When we give ourselves permission to open up to the possibility of "unsticking" ourselves and moving forward, the world reacts by opening up to us. Sometimes being open to new possibilities and ways of thinking requires a leap of faith. It often means we are pushing past our comfort zones, which can be initially quite uncomfortable. When we do take that chance and give that gift to ourselves, we are rewarded through the transformation itself. Life is an amazing journey and we get to choose whether we experience it fully or not... the hard parts and all. If we can lean into the discomfort with a little more ease and openness to the learning, the lessons unfold in the most beautiful way.

Curiosity
When we are children, we explore our environments like little scientists thirsty to grow and learn in new ways. We are eager and ready to transform. Over time, we can become complacent and stuck and our spirit can feel broken through the challenges that seem unfair and bigger than life. I believe the way to help our spirit come back to that place of wholeness is to be curious about the different ways and options of moving through life. We can help transform our challenges into opportunities for growth by allowing the struggles to unfold, by moving 'through' the obstacles and by experiencing every little part without losing ourselves along the way. All throughout the journey of life, we are afforded opportunities to continually grow and expand our scope of what is possible. We are surrounded by so many incredible things, people and natural beauty. When we are open and inquisitive, we are more apt to find the inspiration to move forward, live fully, grow exponentially and heal great wounds. When we are curious about how we can grow through our struggles, we have more of a chance of coming through the other end stronger. We become more resilient by being gifted the opportunity to transform.

At the end of the day, what most of us really want is to feel good, to feel understood and to be loved. Sometimes the challenge is to get back to the place of experiencing those ways.

If you are ready, open and willing to move forward through a challenge, I definitely recommend giving one of the above ideas a try to see if it may be a right fit for you.

If you liked this post, you will love my new bookFall in Love with Your Life, One Week at a Time
Click to View Fall in Love with Your Life, One Week at a Time Book Trailer HuffPost's GPS for the Soul app is based on two truths about human beings. First: We all have a centered place of wisdom, harmony and balance within us. Second: We're all going to veer away from that place, again and again and again. What we need is a great course-correcting mechanism -- a GPS for the Soul -- to help us find our way back to that centered place, from which everything is possible.
Because no one knows better than you what helps you de-stress and tap into that place of peace inside yourself, it's important for you to create your very own GPS guide -- a personalized collection of whatever helps you course-correct. Email us at GPS@huffingtonpost.com and we'll set you up with your very own HuffPost blogger account to share your guide on the site. If you're already a blogger, we encourage you to upload your personal guide today. We can't wait to see what you have to share.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Transform Challenges Into Opportunities for Growth

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Photo Licensed from Shutterstock Challenges are an inevitable part of life. Whether it be challenging times, people or circumstances, most of us can relate to coming up against roadblocks in life that feel hard, unfair, or that can even be devastating at times.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
photo credit: ideas coming back via photopin (license)

It's long been said that mindset is everything when it comes to personal development and making your dreams a reality, and that is absolutely true.

However, for many people the idea of thinking happy thoughts when shit hits the fan is frustrating, infuriating, and it just doesn't work. While maintaining a generally positive belief system is ideal, it can often cover up the very thought patterns you need to release in order to make your dreams come true.

If thinking happy thoughts just doesn't cut it for you, below are five things you should do instead.

1. Feel the feels. Often when things don't go according to your plan and you find yourself in a state of defeat, it can be easy to try and cover up your true feelings with more positive thoughts, especially when you know that your thoughts become things. However, when you do that you are likely just creating more resistance to what is actually going on.

Feeling the feelings that are coming up allow them to flow, providing space for solutions to follow. Your feelings are strong indicators that there are things that need to be cleared up in your thoughts, beliefs and your life. Covering them up only ensures they will come back again only next time a lot stronger. Be true to the feelings that are coming up for you instead of denying that they are there and then move on to #2.

2. Find the lesson. Your feelings are excellent signs that indicate where your vibration is at the moment and if you pay close attention, you will find the lesson that is waiting for you. Many times when we are triggered in life, there is a message for us to learn and it's not to just be happier or ignore the trigger all together.

When you are feeling jealous, frustrated, angry, or even sad in a particular area of your life, look at the patterns. When has this come up before? What is the message? What are you ready to finally release? By asking these simple questions and being willing to get a bit curious, you are sure to not only raise your vibration, but you will also understand what you need to let go of in order to stand more fully in your power.

3. Release and let it go. This is likely one of the hardest things to do when it comes to dealing with life challenges. When you are really struggling in life, it can be difficult to break the pattern and truly let go, however it is extremely important to do so. Whether you use EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), energy work, or do a bit of forgiveness for yourself and others, you must be willing to let go of the negative beliefs and thought patterns in your life in order to raise your vibration and make your dreams come true. There simply is no other way.

4. Tune into your intuition. When you were born, you came equipped with a magnificent power and wealth of knowledge that guides you along your path. During times when life throws you curve balls and you are unsure of what to do, you must tune into your intuition in order to identify your next steps. The message might come through as a strong feeling or you may see and hear messages over and over again guiding you to take a specific step forward on your path.

However you receive your messages, know that you have the power to move forward and that the universe is supporting you every step of the way. If you find you are unsure of what to do next, simply ask your inner guidance for a sign and I promise if you keep your mind open, you will find your answer.

5. Trust your path & follow your heart. Your purpose is to follow your heart and continue along your path in this life and to know that there is no struggle, challenge or obstacle that can hold you back from what you are meant to do. Once you have learned the lessons, let go of what's holding you back and you trust your intuition to move forward, the only thing left to do is to just keep going. You have a vision and purpose for a reason and by following your heart and continuing on your path, you will continue to grow, evolve, and expand into more of who you truly are. Following your heart and continuing on your journey is what life is all about and the key is to just keep going.

What is your favorite way to shift your mindset when things get tough in life? Share yours in the comments below. I'd love to hear from you!
Lamisha Serf-Walls is an empowerment coach for soul-centered women who are tired of trying to fit into lackluster beige boxes and crave the freedom of standing in their truth and living life from the heart. Her mission is to create a community of empowered, free flowing, lovers of life who live a life of freedom with ease and inspire others to do the same. You can learn more about Lamisha and what she offers by joining her free community, visiting her Online, on Facebook, or Twitter or grab her free audio 5 Ways to Break Free From Stuck.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why 'Thinking Happy Thoughts' Isn't Enough: 5 Things You Should Do Instead

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
photo credit: ideas coming back via photopin (license) It's long been said that mindset is everything when it comes to personal development and making your dreams a reality, and that is absolutely true. However, for many people the idea of thinking happy thoughts when shit hits the fan is frustrating, infuriating, and it just doesn't work.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
"Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory." - George S. Patton