“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me” – Walt Disney
Stop now, examine your life honestly for even 30 seconds. What are the biggest adversities, troubles, and obstacles you’ve faced in your life? These trials can come as a result of your own decisions or more often, through no fault of your own. That distinction does not matter. In either situation, your choice in how you handle yourself and your situation during and after your adversity determines everything. It can and should present perhaps the largest opportunity in your life to help other people. That ultimately, is all that matters in the end.
In my young life, I’ve had three significant life adversities: death of my first wife, major depression (both for me and lost a family member), and growing up with divorced parents from a very young age. Were any of these “fun” to go through? Not really. Quite frankly, during them I never saw an opportunity to grow and ultimately help people. I see that now and for quite some time have seen it, but only after the fact.
Are we blessed if we’ve been “lucky” to avoid major adversity? Or, are we more blessed to have gone through them? Often, all we need is a change in perspective, a change of thinking, and a change of attitude. Life is a journey. Appreciate your blessings AND your adversities.
“Adversity is the mother of progress” –Mahatma Gandhi
