Rev. Colleen Irwin

Navigating Frustration as a Developing Medium

Frustration is a natural part of mediumship development. Whether it’s unclear messages, feeling disconnected, or struggling with expectations, every medium has faced moments where things just don’t flow. But what if frustration wasn’t a sign of failure? What if it was pointing you in the direction of something you needed to learn or comprehend?

Why Frustration Happens in Mediumship

Frustration often arises when we’re feeling pressured—either by ourselves or by others—to get everything right. We expect the connection to be clear, the messages to flow easily, and the validation to come instantly. When this doesn’t happen, it’s easy to feel like we’re doing something wrong.

In reality, frustration can be a signal that there’s something deeper to learn. Early on in my journey, I struggled with frustration because I wasn’t receiving information the way my teachers did. While they were using their third eye or clear hearing, I had a strong sense of just knowing things, but I doubted myself. It took time to find a teacher who resonated with the way I received information. Once I did, things finally clicked, and with a little help, my mediumship really took off.

Sometimes, frustration is showing us that the approach we’re using doesn’t align with our natural gifts. In my case, I realized that I had to move outside of my comfort zone and find a new development group that worked for me. It was a frustrating journey, but that frustration guided me to the right path.

Learning from Frustration

For new mediums, frustration can feel like a setback, but it’s often a sign that we’re on the brink of a breakthrough. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that mistakes are part of the process. There’s so much pressure to be perfect in this work, but as humans, perfection is difficult—if not impossible—to achieve all the time. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on learning from the moments that don’t go as planned.

How to Navigate Frustration

1. Recognize the Lesson
   Frustration often highlights where you need to grow. If something isn’t working, ask yourself, “What is this experience teaching me?” Maybe it’s about trusting your instincts, finding a new teacher, or letting go of expectations. The frustration is guiding you toward a deeper understanding of your abilities.
2. Trust How You Receive Information
   Like me, you may find that the way you receive messages is different from how others do. That’s okay. Trust your process. Whether you see, hear, feel, or simply know things, your method is valid. If your frustration stems from trying to match someone else’s style, take a step back and embrace your own.
3. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
   Sometimes frustration signals that it’s time for change. If you feel stuck or like you’re not progressing, it may be time to try something new. This could mean finding a different development circle or working with a new mentor who understands how you receive messages.
4. Let Go of Perfection
   There’s too much pressure to get every message right, especially when you’re just starting out. Remember, you’re human, and mediumship is about learning and evolving. Mistakes are part of that journey. The best lessons often come from the times when things don’t go as planned.
5. Be Kind to Yourself
   When frustration hits, practice self-compassion. Acknowledge that this is part of the process and allow yourself the space to grow. Mediumship is a lifelong journey, and every step—frustrating or not—teaches you something valuable.

Frustration isn’t a sign that you’re failing; it’s often a sign that you’re about to learn something important. Whether it’s learning to trust your process, stepping outside your comfort zone, or letting go of perfection, frustration can guide you toward the next stage of your development as a medium. Embrace the challenges, and know that each step—especially the difficult ones—helps you grow into the medium you’re meant to be.