This past month has been one of the most difficult ones I've lived in a long time. As a personal close relationship shook like moved by an earthquake, I was forced to revisit my beliefs about myself, about my life, and about my sense of purpose.

However, I do believe that each of us experiences that which is most necessary for the advancement of our consciousness, and in this sense all experiences are valuable. I'm grateful for what I've lived, and I'm even more grateful that I now feel stronger and with a more defined sense of purpose than I felt before. The events of the past month inspired the thought of the month, below :)

Even though at times during this past month I doubted of the work that I do with my website and whether I bring any value to you, I kept on working on the ebook that I will release on my birthday, 8th June. Quite funnily, it felt as if the ebook was talking to me specifically. Its title came through very clearly: "Yes To Life".

Yes, the experiences we go through do move the floor under our feet at times, but there is no challenge that we are presented with that we cannot meet; the current of life which moves us all is what pushes us to say Yes to life, every time.

I hope that *you* keep saying Yes to your own life, no matter what's going on. I will email you again within the next week or two with more details about "Yes To Life" and with the discount code with which you'll be able to purchase my ebook at half its price.

I appreciate you being there. Thank you for giving meaning to what I do :)

As you read above in the introduction to this newsletter, this past month has been one of the most difficult times that I've lived lately.

A close personal relationship shook and rattled, and for weeks I didn't know what was going to happen. I didn't know whether all of a sudden we had gotten to a point where it was just not possible to even talk.

In hindsight, however, I realize why it is I had such a hard time for so long: I resisted the pain. I wanted to feel good and to feel secure so badly that I resisted even the idea that something had changed and that I had to adapt - whatever "adapting" implied.

Besides, in all that turmoil I forgot something very important: that feeling bad is just the guidance that tells us that we're focusing our thoughts on what we don't want.

By when I remembered that all I had to do was to focus my thoughts on what I did want, the whole issue had turned into a snowball and re-focusing my thoughts didn't feel like the easiest thing in the world. However, little by little I said to myself, Abraham-Hicks style: "I know what I don't want, so what is it that I do want?", and I kept on focusing on the abundant side of life.

As I gained some ground again I realized something very important: that the pain and the suffering I experienced were relevant. True, I could have saved myself some of that suffering by remembering to use my feelings as guidance; but even that pain was part of a necessary journey.

I'll turn 33 next month, and by now I've realized that whenever we go through hardships we come out of them renewed and stronger. The hardships are necessary for us to evolve. The more we resist the pain, the longer it stays. The more we accept it, the quicker it goes, and the quicker we learn.

I came out of this particular challenge having learned a lot. One of the things I learned, maybe the most important one and certainly the one that I want to pass on to you is that there is nothing to change.

You enjoy the good times, and you endure the tough times (not so much enjoyment there I'm afraid) - and it's all part of your journey. It's all good. Not that one actually seeks suffering, but know that suffering is alright too. There is something in it for you.

The key? Relax. Both the good and the tough times will pass. The experiences you live will serve you to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. And you get to come out on the other side feeling wiser, stronger, and in a better position to help others.

Just relax. It's all good :)

Every month I receive emails from readers - some of them contain questions or comments, and some of them are contributions, such as a positive story, an article or a tip.

This month K., from India, shared this piece of gratitude:

Thanks, K.! :-)

This month I want to suggest you to listen to an interview with Jeff Foster. Jeff Foster is an author and speaker about nonduality - or how we can increase our awareness to go beyond labelling things as 'good' or 'bad'.

This interview is lighthearted, interesting, full of laughter, and it will no doubt give you some keys that will come very handy at this moment of your life. Nonduality goes beyond positive thinking - it offers us a whole new perspective from which to live life: total acceptance.

Have a listen... interview with Jeff Foster.

I believe that being grateful for something is one of the most powerful tools to feel better immediately. Here are the two thanking bits of the month:

Thankful for... Japanese mochi cakes. The first time I tried one of these cakes (basically a red bean paste within a rice dough) was back in Seville when I was 19, at a Japanese restaurant - and I loved them. Now here in London I'm lucky to be able to buy them in packs of eight at the Japanese Centre, whenever I want to - which I love even more :)

Thankful for... earrings! Some women love handbags, some love shoes - my thing is earrings (actually I am so grateful for them that I might have already told you) :) I love large earrings, colorful ones, and those with an unusual form, like a long spiral twisting back on itself. I have a little collection, and I love browsing the open-air markets for new beautiful ones :)

What are you thankful for? Share your gratitude on this page and read what others are thankful for!

Care to send me your thoughts about this issue's topics? Email me and let me know!

If you enjoyed this newsletter, please pass it along to your friends, family and colleagues, or send them to the Dare To Play It Big sign up page. I thank you in advance.

Stay well,

Cristina

P.S. Feeling stressed and worried because of problems at work? Then check my handbook "From Conflict To Calm" - based on my own experience with conflict with my boss, my handbook gives you the keys to move from a powerless situation to one of peace.

P.S.S. Tired of procrastinating? Wish you got more out of your own life but you don't know how? In my handbook "Power Over Procrastination" you will find the exact plan, techniques and tools I use to get things done easily - leaving procrastination behind altogether!