Embracing Adversity
November 13, 2013 - Today I am thankful for adversity. Its a constant companion and the toughest of all teachers.
Adversity knows no border ... it can do its thing regardless of area, time, distance, subject matter, or age ... it does not discriminate. Its the ultimate equal-opportunity employer.
It grabs our attention, challenges, blocks, punishes, and is relentless.
It has been at my side from the time I was born. I have gone from ignorance to ignoring it, from cursing it to fighting it, from understanding it to accepting it, to now realizing it needs to be embraced.
Adversity showed up in my life the day I was born. I came out not breathing, which is normal. A simple slap and babies cry ... not me.
Then using hot and cold water to induce me to breathe, did not work. Finally, as my mom described it to me, the delivering doctor guided a tube down my throat. He breathed into me, so I would, well, you know the end of that story. :)
Adversity was and is a constant shadow. Adversity reveals who you are - the good and the bad. For the longest time I never really understood and when misfortune (adversity's running mate) happens, would cry, "Why me?"
Sometimes in life I would feel I defeated it ... but it returns, harder and with more vigor. It keeps coming and will always come, teaching and repeating its lessons until its true purpose becomes clear.
Adversity is a setback from which we can take our greatest leap forward if we respond to it properly.
Now, I am learning to embrace it. Learning to ask, "Okay, what are you teaching me, today?" Finding the joy within the struggle ... and that begins a whole new chapter.
What are you thankful for today?
With every good wish,
 
Jim Clayton
Clayton Design Group
jim@claytondesigngroup.com
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