There are times that life just spins you around, flips you you upside down, then pushes you over seemingly just to show you who’s boss. Situations will happen that are completely unexpected and often uncomfortable. Sometimes our choices are the catalyst of these situations and other times, well that just how the hand is dealt.
While these times of adversity are often extremely uncomfortable and stressful, they provide an incredible potential to be building blocks of our character. A phrase I’ve come to really appreciate is, “Adversity introduces a man to himself.” I read this phrase, believe it or not, on the back of the bread we buy (which is INCREDIBLE bread; Dave’s Killer Bread. If you get a chance to read his story here, DO so!) That phrase cuts to the core of what adversity truly is; an introduction to what you’re made of.
Hard times WILL come, and the only thing that you can control is how you respond to the situation. Don’t waste your energy worrying about things out of your control. Take it one step at a time. Ask yourself, in this moment or new few moments, what can I control. You’ll find that the only answer is, “my response.”
I challenge you to change your mindset on adversity. Often we view hard situations as something we have to try to “live” through. Instead, take it as an opportunity to roll up your sleeves and take a good look at who you are and what you’re made of. Trust yourself to handle each situation as it arises and remember, it will all work out. Not usually as you planned…but sometimes that opens the door to opportunities you had never even imagined.
When you just feel overwhelmed and need a reminder, revert to this picture, posted at right. Own those words and remember that it WILL be okay. Things WILL work out, we just have to keep our chin up and take one day at a time. Rachel always knows JUST what to say to cheer us up and encourage us to face the day and kick it’s butt! You can read her inspiration on her blog, Daily Peptalk From a Best Friend. (Direct link to picture at right found here).