If you look in the dictionary, definition of adversity refers to hardships, challenges or misfortune. Hard time, challenging times and/or situations. Each of us handles these situations in different ways. Adversity can shake us to the core, challenge our foundation as a human and help us to see if the things we believe and value are worth standing for. It's been said that the flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all. We have to remember, that for 99% of us, no one is just going to walk up to us, hand us a plate of progress and success, rather we must create progress and success on our own, with will power, discipline, and giving 110% of our efforts each day. The quote above by Hellen Keller, "A happy life consists not in the absence, but in the mastery of hardships." That resonates with me, it reminds me that I have the choice to be happy not only in the good times, but in the more challenging of times as well. We all have that choice. We chose how we react to things, we chose how much energy we give, and even if you believe that things couldn't get worse, or believe it to be your worst day, you can chose to practice gratitude and remind yourself of the good times, the better times, and the better times you have yet to experience. It takes gumption, dedication, discipline, and courage. It takes heart and soul, sweat and tears. During some of the most challenging times the heros within us are revealed, keeping a clear view on the bigger picture, the overall goal, rather than the obstacles that may lay ahead. From challenges we grow, we learn, we overcome adversity and come out stronger on the other side. Let's be honest, when things are easy, we aren't growing, we are just sitting comfortably, possibly in a comfort zone. That's like sipping a drink by the pool on the quintessential summer day. These hardships and challenges, they help build character, strength, and possibly even lead us that much closer to our destiny. In surviving challenging times, in overcoming adversity, we then develop courage. If there is a challenge that is causing you feel less than adequate, don't fight it, rather learn to embrace it and do things a little differently. Remind yourself that you can overcome any challenge, that it wont last forever, you will come our stronger and wiser, you will have a better life, and that your story will inspire others. You my friend, are limitless.
Comments