We grow and develop as human beings whenever we master new skills, acquire new knowledge and understanding, and become more aware of the true nature of things, including ourselves. All too often, however, instead of understanding that each new challenge, trial and difficulty that presents itself in our life is an opportunity to transform into a newer, more powerful, confident and capable self, we go into resistance or avoidance mode, so losing an opportunity to transform our identity, and as a result, change our life for the better.

Yet, if we are to achieve our full potential as human beings, we do need to undergo a whole series of psychological transformations whereby we exchange our “old,” limited identities, for “new,” more expanded ones. These psychological transformations allow us to break through certain attitudes, beliefs, fears, patterns of behaviour and delusions, that restrain and restrict us, preventing us from pursuing our dreams, from being all that we can and yearn to be.

For example, we might lack the qualities of confidence, courage and self-belief, characteristics we need if we are to carve out the destiny we may only now dream of. In the film “Titanic,” for instance, Rose finds the courage to defy her mother’s wishes in order to pursue her own dreams of love, happiness and independence, and Harry Potter always manages to attain a higher level of mastery in the realm of magic, as well as successfully undergo a series of trials and challenges which require him to develop skills, character traits and strengths which enable him to survive and triumph over his many enemies.

Both Rose and Harry find the gifts hidden within what appear initially to be insurmountable obstacles to their happiness, and when they overcome their trials and challenges they move from an unsatisfying, unhappy state of affairs, into a new life situation that more closely matches their dream life, or brings them nearer to a cherished goal. Without their tests they would never know themselves to be a heroine and hero.

Sometimes it is our delusions that we need to grow out of if we are to fulfil our potential. Our delusion that if we are “good” we will be rewarded for this at some future date. Or it can be our delusion that we are inept, incapable and powerless; or saintly, never in the wrong, and universally loved and admired by all.

Alternatively, it can be attitudes or patterns of behaviour we have learned from our family that we need to let go of if we are to be happy and fulfilled. These can be our manipulations, egocentricities, or perhaps our lack of a sense of entitlement. And everyone, without exception, has fears they must learn to overcome if they are to succeed in pursuing and creating the life of their dreams.

So, instead of trying to avoid or resist our challenges and difficulties, we need to remember that we are being offered an opportunity to draw closer to achieving our dreams and becoming the self we have always longed to be. It is another chance to learn how to be the “star” of our own life, rather then continue to play the part of a “handmaiden,” “bystander” or other “bit” player.

More importantly, what we need to understand is that nothing ever presents itself to us that is not intended to make us grow and expand as individuals, however painful or turbulent our experiences may sometimes be. Our Divine Mother is within each of us, trying to lead and guide us, drawing to us the events and experiences that will allow us to develop the strengths and qualities we need to become the magnificent individuals we were born to be. But the Goddess does not seek an easy, comfortable life for us. She wants our lives to be meaningful and significant, grand even, and She may even want it to be played out in a much larger arena than your own backyard.

Like all mothers the Goddess is ambitious for us. She wants us to do great things. She wants us to be magnificent. Yet how can we do great things if we remain cosily isolated inside our comfort blankets? Our Divine Mother knows that each of us is a unique combination of experiences and talents, and that if only we dare, we can, all of us, offer the world our own unique gift.