28th August 2024
Our small and large troubles are teachers, hard and bothersome as they may be.
The old saying “A bad day for the ego is a great day for the soul” really resonates with me.
Sure, it’s the human condition to wish difficulty away. We all want sunny skies and rosy days.
But as we advance through life, we will not only be visited by good fortune but bad & dangerous times will also make an appearance.
I’ve come to realize, as the years etch more notches on my belt, that troubles are actually precious friends, in disguise.
They actually serve to…
…help us make less mistakes.
…forge wisdom that can never leave us.
…show us how strong we are.
…melt away the toughness of arrogance.
…heal ancient wounds that are brought to the surface by present-day troubles.
Every cloud has a silver lining. Going through a difficult phase in life can be immensely valuable if you face it with an attitude of perseverance and patience.
The story of Abraham Lincoln can teach us many life lessons. But most of all, it teaches us the importance of being humble.
Lincoln is arguably one of the most iconic presidents of the United States and is revered for his modesty and deep-seated humility. He was a leader who was willing to admit his shortcomings, accept his mistakes, and learn from them.
Lincoln’s road to the White House was riddled with failures and disappointments.
As a child, his family was forced to move out of their home because of land disputes, and his mother died shortly after when he was merely nine years old. He tried his hand at business and failed multiple times and experienced financial struggles that drove him to the verge of mental dissipation.
Yet despite all his failures, he still managed to stand on his feet, dust himself up and take charge of his destiny. He sought to improve his life through constant learning and self-reflection.
For me, the Tools that help me navigate the darker seasons of deep challenge are:
…Daily MVP practice (Meditation, Visualization + Prayer).
…Writing about my concerns, confusions and feelings in a journal.
…Getting into outdoors, open spaces & nature to gain perspective.
…Chanting
…Reading inspirational books including the biographies of great humans who turned pain into power and tragedy into triumph
…Being helpful to people in need.
…Being grateful for all my blessings and focusing on them instead of the negatives.
After many sunsets, I have realized that ‘Every cloud has a silver lining.’
Going through a difficult phase in life can be immensely valuable if you face it with an attitude of perseverance and patience.
As Dolly Parton said,” If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
Learn from your troubles, face them head on & stay blessed forever.