As a continuation from my three previous blogs, today’s topic is “Surround yourself with people who challenge you.” Before delving in, take a moment to reflect on how do you handle life challenges? Also, bear in mind that “challenges” birth “growth”, and growth oftentimes is fostered by trials and triumphs. To overcome a challenge is no easy feat. It takes fortitude, perseverance, and resilience to sustain meaningful growth. In my opinion, without challenges, one may not reach set goals and/or get more opportunities in life.
Consider these two scenarios:
1. Stretching a rubber band. Pulling and stretching the elasticity of the band is synonymous to that of challenges in life. Like a rubber band, it takes resilience of force not to snap or break depending on how far it is stretched. The elastic force is sometimes needed in all of us to resist breakage. I believe sometimes to personally grow, oftentimes one needs elastic forces or trials in order to gain some lessons to be triumphant in life. Some lessons are best learned through pain. On a positive note, consider the constant tugging and stretching of a rubber band, it can build a bounce-back mentality from adversity. However, if you stretch it too far, life can come back and hit you in the face, metaphorically – and, that’s called karma!
2. Birthing a baby. Challenges that women face during pregnancy can cause problems during labor and delivery. As some of us know, problems experienced are associated with aches and pains, and unhealthy conditions. However, these problems pale in comparison to the rewards of bringing life into this world. Soon afterwards, the kicks, many contortions, pains - just to name a few - of the challenges endured in birthing. Let me be clear, the outcome of childbirth is so well worth it! With that, we should all be grateful for those who surround us during times of challenges.
Again, how do you handle challenges when the storms of life come at you like a raging storm? In dealing with challenges, I’m reminded of the following resounded lyrics:
1. “I can’t stand the rain against my windowpane”; and
2. “My soul has been anchored in the Lord. I realize that sometimes in this life you're gonna be tossed by the waves and the currents that seem so fierce, but in the word of God I’ve got an anchor”.
These two lyrics readily comes to mind based on observations I’ve seen among people dealing with challenges in life. Whatever your challenges are, and we all have them, you need to be surrounded by people who challenge you to grow and/or have experienced trials and tribulations. Be it someone who can stir up a song in your heart to get your through or have shared your struggle(s), be grateful for them. I encourage you not to focus on the pain rather focus on the end-result (rewards). Remember life challenges or storms will pass, and oftentimes your trial will turn into triumph.
Gala D. S. Goldsmith
President/CEO
Be mindful: “Be You. Do You. For You”