The Bright Side of Adversity

“If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.”

Frank A. Clark

 
I can’t recall when I first realized that life isn’t always fair. Compared to most, I had cruised through life by the time I was 18. The tragic death of my two-year old nephew in a car accident was a devastating loss to our family, but most of my other challenges were relatively minor—mostly girlfriends breaking up with me! All in all, I’ve had much to be thankful for.
 
Whether you’ve had a “smooth sailing” life or have already experienced major trials, adversity is a fact of life. It comes in many forms such as personal loss, disappointments, mistakes, bad luck, and mistreatment. It can affect us physically or mentally or both. In some cases we’re prepared for it, but in other situations it comes out of the blue when we least expect it.
 
Repeat after me: “Adversity happens to everyone—always has and always will.”
 
Now, take these words to heart. In order to succeed in life, you must be able to accept adversity as part of your journey and remember that you’re not alone when it happens! If you don’t, you’ll not only be badly mistaken but you’ll also find it hard to deal with when it comes. Your adversity isn’t some “payback” for something you’ve previously done. It just happens to everyone as a part of life.
 
For example, sometimes our best isn’t good enough to win. Sometimes bad things happen to good people (my nephew’s accident and my brother’s untimely death at age 50 being classic examples). Sometimes our partner decides to throw in the towel. Sometimes we lose our job after 25 years of service. Although sometimes our adversity is self-inflicted, it often arises from circumstances beyond our control.
 
One of life’s greatest adventures is seeing what becomes of our trials. At our bleakest hour, it’s hard to fathom that something good might come of our troubles. Often, though, this is precisely what happens!

“You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth

may be the best thing in the world for you.”

Walt Disney

 
Are you one who accepts that adversity is a part of life? How do you handle it when it comes? Remember, you’re NOT alone when it’s your turn.