The Opportunity in Struggle

Published on January 30, 2020

Life is unpredictable, which can be both scary and exciting. Due to this unpredictability, we might find ourselves in situations we don’t want to be in, and we might struggle to find the way out.

Take, for example, the case of Mary. Mary left the United States to move to Hong Kong because her husband got transferred. Mary was unable to relocate with her work, so she quit to be close to her husband. When she got to Hong Kong, she was overwhelmed with the sights, sounds and the crowds. She wasn’t prepared for what she viewed as chaos. She soon felt her anxiety levels rise.  She wasn’t earning her own money, and she had left her family and friends behind.  She felt utterly lost.

What was it that Mary wasn’t seeing that was making her anxious? She decided to find the opportunity in the situation. She made a list of what she felt was lacking in her life, and where she felt appreciation and abundance. Could the abundance provide opportunities where she was lacking?

Mary decided that her abundance was financial. Her husband’s company had paid for their relocation and their housing for the first month. Mary also had a visa that allowed her to work anywhere. She decided the move was an opportunity for her decisions to be her own and not determined by her friends and family. She saw it as an opportunity to work on herself, become more authentic and to find work that she enjoys.

That worked out for Mary, but what if you aren’t so well off financially and you feel stuck in survival mode due to lack of finances?  Being in survival mode brings chaos to a whole other level.  People in survival mode have a difficult time thriving because their fight or flight system has hijacked their executive thinking. It is difficult to see the bigger picture in survival mode. If you are in survival mode, what battles can you stop fighting?  For example, can you stop fighting your pride and ask someone to feed you? Can you network for a higher paying position? Can you tell yourself that you are capable and that you can handle the work?  When self-worth is low, it is difficult to put yourself out there for fear of rejection. These are the battles with yourself that can you end. Until you end these battles, you won’t thrive.

Here are some quick pointers:

1. List your fears

What are you afraid of? Is it rejection, is it failure or success?  How do these fears hold you back?

2. Where is the opportunity?

What can you see that others can’t? Is there a service that you can provide that no one has thought of?  Is there an opportunity for self-development and growth?

3. Network

It is a great idea to Network. Speak to your friends about finding work, developing a business, or providing a service. They might know someone who knows someone, or perhaps they can help you themselves.

4. What are your strengths?

Instead of focusing on your weaknesses, focus on your strengths. How can you maximise what you are good at?

5. What battles can you stop fighting?

Are you in conflict with yourself or with others? How can you de-escalate the conflict or what battles can you retrieve from?

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If you would like to set up an appointment please reach out to me on +852 2521 4668 or email m.borschel@mindnlife.com.

Photo by Bud Helisson on Unsplash


Category(s):Adjusting to Change / Life Transitions, Anxiety, Life Purpose / Meaning / Inner-Guidance, Stress Management

Written by:

Dr Monica Borschel

Welcome! My passion is to help you find inner peace and emotional comfort within yourself and your relationships.

As social creatures, our relationships significantly shape our happiness, well-being, and sense of self-worth. Unfortunately, many of us have experienced relationship-related traumas, which can leave us with emotional scars that require recovery.

Attachment traumas, such as divorce, break-ups, infidelity, neglect, and abuse, can be challenging. As an expert in attachment, loss, and trauma, I have spent many years studying how attachment styles can shift with loss and trauma.

I have seen how healthy relationships can lead to secure attachment and how insecure attachment can create turmoil in our lives. I aim to guide you toward cultivating healthy relationships with yourself, your children, your co-parent, and your romantic partner.

I can help you develop new attachment strategies that will allow you to form deeper connections and bonds with those around you. And, if you have children, I can also assist you in establishing secure attachments with both parents, which can be especially helpful in cases of separation or divorce.

I am originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at The University of Utah. From there, I moved to New York City, earning my Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. I then pursued my Doctorate in Social Work and Social Administration at the University of Hong Kong. I lived and worked in Hong Kong as a practicing Clinical Psychologist from 2010-2020. I reside in California and am pursuing my Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) at California Southern University. My training and qualifications include certifications in Brainspotting and High Conflict Coaching.

These tools, combined with my extensive knowledge and experience in the field, enable me to offer you the guidance and support you need to recover from past traumas and build healthy relationships.

My approach to therapy is empathetic, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs. Every person can grow, and thrive. I am committed to helping you achieve your goals. So, whether you are struggling with relationship issues, divorce, abuse, attachment traumas, or other challenges, I am here to help you find the peace and comfort you deserve.

Email me at info@doctormonicaborschel.com or call the MindnLife Clinic at 852 2521 4668