Turning Trials Into Triumphs–The Way of the Phoenix by Phoenix Alexander

This book is filled with real life examples of the author’s and others experiences and the valuable lessons learned from these often very adverse experiences. Phoenix extrapolates the lesson from the experience and translates it practical advice you can immediately apply to your own situations- whatever they may be. This book has many highlighted applications, actions steps, and workbook exercises, to get you interacting with the concepts and thereby internalizing them on a practical personal level. Below are a few excerpts to showcase the unique nature of the information contained in this groundbreaking book!

What the Phoenix Means to Me…(from the preface)

As a young child, I was taken to the Phoenix Arizona Airport where I saw a huge mural with the Phoenix bird on it. I was told the legend of the mythical Phoenix. This magnificent, unique bird willingly burns itself completely in a huge fire to transform itself into an even more beautiful and majestic creature. Even as a five year old, I clearly understood the symbolism of this myth.

As I matured and was given many opportunities for tremendous growth through extraordinary adversity, the myth of the Phoenix continued to resonate with me. The Phoenix is richly symbolic in many spiritual traditions. The idea of willingly being consumed by fire (adversity) in order to free oneself and soar gracefully and freely like a bird is incredibly inspiring to me. This bird is not a victim or merely a survivor—it is the embodiment of triumph over trials. To me, it represents the characteristics of wisdom in adversity, beauty, strength, and an indomitable will.

I feel empowered by owning this name. I strive to embody the strength, wisdom, and resilience that embody the “Way of the Phoenix.”

Here Are The Timeless Truths I’ve Learned

• These principles have strengthened me in my struggles to overcome my own trials. They are found in my book and expanded upon in much more detail. I also address these in various public speaking topics. I like to think of them as the gifts I’ve learned from my trials.

• Each of us has life experiences that give us exactly the right opportunities for our highest growth. The secret is to learn to turn the situation around and analyze it or reframe its meaning until you have gained the reward of the lesson the trial is trying to teach you.

• Each of us has life experiences that give us exactly the right opportunities for our highest growth. The secret is to learn to turn the situation around and analyze it or reframe its meaning until you have gained the reward of the lesson the trial is trying to teach you.

• All experiences can work together for your good! This has become my mantra; I believe it to my core. When you understand this principle, you will begin to see your perceptions about difficult experiences turn around and suddenly your life becomes dramatically different. Each of us has undoubtedly known someone who allowed their adversity to make them bitter, unhappy people, while another with the same circumstances has used the adversity as a springboard for phenomenal achievement. The same boiling water softens a carrot and hard boils an egg. The choice is yours. It doesn’t matter as much what happens to you, what matters most is how you respond to adversity. If you haven’t found the good in the experience, it’s not over yet!

• There seems to be a direct correlation between the magnitude of your problems and your potential for greatness! If you seem to have monumental problems, it is likely that you are a person with extraordinary strength and capacity to endure. I believe the tests we are given in this life are for our good and in a strange way “fair.” They may not seem like it at the time, but you will find the strength to endure if you will exercise responsibility, ask for guidance, and develop a sincere and unshakable desire to overcome. The simple fact of life is: We are here to be tested and to learn.

•  Not every trial or adversity is self-inflicted. Some things happen because we need to experience them for our highest growth. The real “secret” is we are not in control of everything that happens to us. Not all of our trials are a result of negative thinking and poor habits of thought. Some adversity is designed by a wise and loving Creator who knows that truly great people refine themselves through trials and adversity. Some experiences are self-inflicted because we continue in destructive habits and behaviors. Some are just accidents, and others are the misuse of someone else’s right to make choices. Learn to change the behaviors and thoughts that hold you back or create self-inflicted misery. Learn to quit fighting the things you don’t have control over that are designed for your growth.

• When you master the art of changing your thoughts and perceptions, you can then master your emotions. When you master your emotions, you can control your behavior. As you control your behavior, you can exercise true personal power. Remember, the only thing over which you have ultimate control is your thoughts. No situation can overcome you if you learn to control how you perceive and react to it.

•  Along with each trial comes a promise—you will not be tested or tried beyond what you can handle. If you can internalize this truth, it will turn your thinking around. When you’re hanging on by your fingernails you can look deep inside and find the inner courage to say, “I CAN handle this or it wouldn’t be happening.” You can handle anything life throws at you!

• We are here to experience adversity and its masterful purpose is to teach us to rise above it! We are not here to wallow in self-perpetuated misery. Our trials are to help us to recognize the great talents and blessings that adversity can bring. Trials can help us develop latent talents and strengths we never knew existed.

•  You are here to be happy! When you learn the immutable truths that bring true happiness and learn to cleanse your body and mind from the experiences that hold you back now, you will embody true peace and happiness.

• Each of us has a specific purpose for our existence. As we search for our life purpose and learn to use our skills and talents to elevate the lives of others, we will fulfill our grand design. We will receive extraordinary assistance if we are truly seeking to accomplish our life’s purpose. We will be lead and guided along our path.

• We are all born with an inner compass to guide us along our path. Some call it inspiration, others intuition. You can learn to develop and use this guide in all you do to improve your life in unimaginably wonderful ways.

•  If you’re still alive, there is ALWAYS a way for escape—whether emotionally or physically. Don’t get stuck where you are! There is always a way to deal with your situation. Don’t despair, just keep looking for the answers and they will come! Escape may come in the form of “rewriting your history” or reframing the trauma of your life by finding a new way to look at it. There is a way to find a benefit or lesson.

•  The legend of the Phoenix is found in many cultures. What inspires me about the Phoenix is the way it voluntarily burns itself in order to create a new and better creature. It is a symbol of renewal, resilience and re-creation. The fire is a symbol of adversity to me. A Phoenix is always changing, growing, and becoming better. I invite you to Turn Your Trials Into Triumphs and adopt the Way of the Phoenix