It has been a month of challenges; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I got scared. I was OK. I got mad, and I got over it. I was confused and wondered why, and that was OK too. What didn’t feel OK at all, was when I began to doubt my faith, my future, my own sacred intuition.
Writing each week is a grounding time for me, it brings me home to me and I hope adds a bit of light to my world as I share my journey. It will soon be four years since I sent the first Friday Food for Thought into cyberspace and it has been a joy and a struggle, a lot of fun and a proverbial pain in the caboose at times.
The plan is never to just write to you all, but to reveal through my words, portals that may guide you inward, stir the still waters of your soul until a truth rises to the surface. I choose to speak with a clarity that I hope resonates like a prayer, not to impress but to express what is real, raw, and ready to be shared, to transform or break down, to bring a smile or join me as I shed a sacred tear.
Those of you who follow me weekly know that I love to remind you all that every experience, good or bad or somewhere in between, is an opportunity. I have a new little, short-read eBook coming out soon… Introducing the Gifts of Our Good Enemies, Befriending the Challenges and Frustrations We All Encounter.
I love this quote by Nelson Mandela, “I never lose. I either win or learn.”
When you take this quote to heart, it can change your whole perspective on things like making friends with our ‘good enemies.’ At first glance, his words may seem simple, like a catchy phrase or even a motivational soundbite. Then, when you really let them sink in, when you gift yourself the opportunity to live with them, Mandala’s words become a powerful philosophy for resilience, growth, and greater self-compassion.
We live in a world that views success and failure as opposites; win or lose, pass or fail, rise or fall. Mandela flips that idea on its head. By saying he never loses, he redefines what failure might actually mean.
In his view, there is no true loss unless we choose not to learn from the experience. Mistakes, setbacks, and even major disappointments or tragedies don’t have to be endpoints. They become lessons, teachers disguised as frustrations and obstacles.
Change your perspective, change your story. Imagine approaching challenges not with fear of failure, but with curiosity, eager to see what you will learn regardless of the outcome. It removes the pressure of always having to “win” in the traditional sense and opens the door to continuous improvement and emotional freedom.
You’re no longer tied to any external validation or the fear of falling short. Instead, you’re focused on what each moment can teach you, the magic of the unknown and the mystery of miracles.
Think about how this point of view might transform real-life situations. Didn’t get the job? Instead of labeling it a loss, reflect on what you might take away from the experience to do better next time. You make a mistake in a relationship? Instead of spiraling into shame or blame, ask, “What did I learn about myself or how I relate to and with others?” This new perspective can foster emotional maturity, growth, and maybe even a deeper sense of your own self-awareness.
Curiosity instead of “win or lose,” may build up your resilience. People who embrace this type of mindset don’t necessarily crumble completely under pressure or setbacks. They get up, dust off, and bounce back stronger, wiser, and better equipped to face the next ‘good enemy.’
Nelson Mandala’s life was proof that adversity doesn’t define you, it is how you respond to it that does.
Here is your food for thought this week: give this mindset a shot… Blend the mystical with the meaningful. Turn your pain into purpose, your experiences into insight. I invite you to reflect on any incident that comes to mind and choose to listen to that inner voice that feels like home as you discern the lesson in the experience.
Live, love, grieve, and rise… choose to show up with your true self, with grace, grit, and a glittering sense of humor. Listen to the whispers of your heart, ready to remember who you authentically are.
Blessed be the journey ahead.
Please enjoy my Free “Meditation for Centering” MP3
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Vicki Dobbs is a bold and adventurous warrior walking a path of heart to manifest spirituality in everyday lives. She opens existential gateways for individuals to face their challenges and embrace these tests as the great teachers that they are.
Her goal is to see everyone walk in beauty and balance every day of their lives empowered by the voice of their own authentic truth.
Through Wisdom Evolution and Sacred Wisdom Workshops, Vicki creates opportunities for others to make deep personal changes through experiential classes, ceremony, sacred art and story. She endeavors to inspire others to create their lives intentionally. Vicki is an Inspirator of everyday awareness, an Instigator of spontaneous stories and a Connoisseur of Creativity. Gratitude and grace sprinkled with humility and humor are the medicine she brings to the world.
As an Elder, Teacher and Entrepreneur, Spiritual Coach, Ordained Minister and Crafter of Sacred Art and Tools, Vicki perceives life’s journey as an ever-upward spiraling ascension of the human spirit leading her to wisdom, wholeness and authenticity.
Her experience includes being trained in the Harner Method of Shamanic Counseling and the Pachakuti Mesa Tradition of Cross Cultural Shamanism. She is a Graduate Teacher and Mentor with the Lynn Andrews Center For Sacred Arts and Training and has been the Administrator and Writers Guide for Writing Spirit, the School.
Vicki is also an Artist of the Spirit Certified Spiritual and Energetic Life Coach, a Graduate Mentor in the AoS program and a founding member of HeatherAsh Amara’s Warrior Goddess Leadership Team and Facilitator of the Warrior Heart Practice.
Connect with Vicki here on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vickildobbsauthor