The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen – Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Adversity creates a frequency of transformation. Have you ever encountered a period in life, in which obstacles happened simultaneously? That your inner world was spiraling? To which, caused you to question every aspect of your existence? These conditions bring upon a new direction for you. During a crisis, breakthroughs materialize. In retrospect, you are being asked to go within. To assess your life, see what is really working for you. To be brutally honest.
What is Adversity? This term can be defined as conflict, hardship or even oppression. Adversity happens to raise your being. Have you ever noticed during times of difficulties, you learn a life lesson? This is not a random coincidence. Those incredibly harsh moments that have crippled you, are actually a blessing. Your soul has chosen particular situations, on purpose to elevate your spirit. There is a silver lining under the cloud with adversity. Intuitively, you know this will pass. Adversity creates drive, which in turn amplifies motivation.
Adversity + Drive = Motivation
This above model was a realization that came to me clearly. Without adversity in life we do not grow. We have a choice. To sit in sorrow, shutting the world out – or to RISE
There are countless stories in history how individuals triumphed over adversity. One that comes to the forefront is Victor Frankl. He was a Psychotherapist who survived the Holocaust. His parents along with wife perished during World War II. Frankl survived oppression and suffering. He experienced one of the most traumatic events in history. Following the Holocaust Frankl wrote the highly influential novel called, “Man’s Search For Meaning”. His life story in turn was meant to guide others. His light became dim, however he chose to live in faith.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you
– Matthew 7:7 KJV
The humanitarian Princess Diana endured hardships while being in the British Monarchy. She turned her misfortunes into something positive. This was done by the Power of love. Princess Diana was charismatic and touched the lives of millions. She placed her energy into charity, helping humanity and making a contribution in the world. She was light and wanted to encourage others to do the same.
Victor Frankl and Diana endured suffering. However, they kept focused on faith. Will power, determination and love kept them resilient. Perhaps they were being guided by a force of energy beyond their comprehension. This could be seen as God, Source, Universe or whatever you believe. Their struggle did not define them. The story was changed. You can do this as well. You make a conscious decision for a different narrative.
Two things stand like stone: Kindness in another’s trouble, courage in your own – Princess Diana
When you are faced with contention, this is when your psyche will expand. There are many of us who avoid problems. Thinking that if you avoid conflict it will resolve on its own. Is this really healthy for your well-being and soul? You become an individual who avoids controversy.
Are you a conflict avoider? Do problems make you freeze up and momentarily feel stuck?
I have done this in the past and on occasion still do. I ruminate that if I avoid a problem long enough it will disappear on its own. This is not the best approach when dealing with conflict. One should be open to difficulties, absorb the situation and see how you can find a solution. Freezing up only allows the situation to perpetuate. Expressing your viewpoints calmly and wholeheartedly will allow that stuck feeling to leave you.
Throughout your life there will be periods when all aspects of life are aligning perfectly. Time may even stand still. Appreciate this in every way. Alternatively, moments of strife will also arise. Be willing to see each downfall as an opportunity. Choices are what defines your life. I ask you to remain in faith. Pray daily, connect with whatever you believe or follow. Place the creator in the centre of your life. Help others, really listen to what people have to say. You are so much bigger than you know. Stop limiting yourself. You are capable, follow the whispers of ancient wisdom of the wind. Anything is possible and attainable. Be love.
For the first time in my life I saw the truth as it is set into song by so many poets, proclaimed as the final wisdom by so many thinkers. The truth – that Love is the ultimate and highest goal to which man can aspire. Then I grasped the meaning of the greatest secret that human poetry and human thought and belief have to impart: The salvation of man is through love and in love ― Viktor E. Frankl
Butterfly Spirit! 