The Benefits of Facing Adversity
Struggle reveals your true allies and adversaries.
Facing adversity can be a tremendous gift if we’re open to the impact and opportunity for growth.
Awareness of what you value!
Adversity creates awareness of what's most important to you. When you go through a traumatic experience or life-changing event, you quickly eliminate all the distractions, all the fluff, and you narrow in on what matters most. Typically, it's your core values, it's your family, it's your connections and deep relationships. It's your passion and it's your purpose and everything else seems to go by the wayside. People who have had their lives on the line or their freedom in jeopardy will assure you that when that’s at stake, little else matters. You become keenly aware of your driving “why”.
Awareness of your allies!
Adversity shines a light on who shows up and who shrinks back. Remember, honour, and show up for the people who came through for you. You will be surprised at who doesn’t. It may anger you, sadden you or worse, make you resentful. When my father passed, this happened to me. I had to release the bitterness towards the people who didn’t show up, and really honour the people who did to be able to move forward.
Awareness of your adversaries!
Our adversaries can be people, negative thought patterns or judgements that come along as we face trials. We can use the impact of adversaries to reflect and as fuel to change for the better, grow stronger and strengthen our resolve to win. Trials shine a light on the people anxious to see us fail. Know that it’s not about you and move on. Our greatest adversary is that voice in our minds encouraging us to stay stuck, press on!
Awareness of agency!
When we face adversity, it can feel like we’re out of control. Our worlds spin at a pace that feels reckless and we can feel a sense of hopelessness. Know that in each situation we can control our mindset. We can focus in on and illuminate all the bad, or we can focus on what’s good. We can fill our minds with messages of hope. We can listen to inspiring podcasts, read positive and optimistic books, and take control of our outlook.
It's not the end of the trial and the triumph over the challenge that makes us, it’s the days we keep persisting that we don’t allow to break us. Wherever you are on your journey today, know that you are one step closer if you keep pushing through the struggle.
