Motivation Mondays: Overcoming Adversity
“There are uses to adversity, and they don’t reveal themselves until tested. Whether it’s serious illness, financial hardship, or the simple constraint of parents who speak limited English, difficulty can tap unexpected strengths.” Sonia Sotomayor
Motivation Mondays: Overcoming Adversity
YouTube Video: Happiness is a Journey Not a Destination.
Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records. William Arthur Ward
Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit. Napoleon Hill
When adversity strikes, that’s when you have to be the most calm. Take a step back, stay strong, stay grounded and press on. LL Cool J
Be bold enough to live life on your terms, and never, ever apologize for it. Go against the grain, refuse to conform, take the road less traveled instead of the well-beaten path. Laugh in the face of adversity, and leap before you look. Dance as though EVERYBODY is watching. Mandy Hale
How do we overcome adversity? At different points in our lives, we are all touched by some form of adversity and with it comes the burden of how to handle it and work our way through it. It is never easy and we might find many people giving unsolicited advice on how to manage the pain and possible suffering that comes with it. Experience has taught so many of us that we should take all the time we need to sort through the pain, seek professional help, and reach for the loving support of friends and family. When we are willing to ask for and receive help with open arms, we can begin the process of finding our own shaky or steady path to healing. There are many ways to get there but, we must be motivated by our own drivers to let the natural path of healing and wellness find its way to us. Recently, a friend shared the video above and it is a beautifully shared story about the seeds of happiness. In a way, it focuses on a tool that we sometimes forget: when you are down, reach out and help another soul, for healing lies in the love and comfort we give to others while we are struggling with our own. When we shift our focus a bit, we might soon find that we have crossed the bridge of sadness and entered the path of healing… there is a mind set to that too. Think about it.
As Judge Sotomayor says in the quote above, adversity can open the door to unexpected strengths lying dormant within us. I’ve know seemingly feeble, even lazy, people become strong, grounded and towering oaks in the face of great adversity. It forces us to discard the trivial and face up to what truly matters in our lives. While happiness and joyfulness can give us hope and glimpses of what we have set aside in times of woe, the full throttle of a difficult phase in our lives can sharpen us and peel off the layers to reveal a hardy, determined yet compassionate soul. In our suffering we are reminded of the frailty of the human condition and if we set out mind on a higher goal and perspective, we are drawn within to a place of gratitude and steadiness for what is.
A Zen Story: The Other Side
One day a young Buddhist on his journey home came to the banks of a wide river. Staring hopelessly at the great obstacle in front of him, he pondered for hours on just how to cross such a wide barrier.
Just as he was about to give up his pursuit to continue his journey he saw a great teacher on the other side of the river. The young Buddhist yells over to the teacher, “Oh wise one, can you tell me how to get to the other side of this river”?
The teacher ponders for a moment looks up and down the river and yells back, “My son, you are on the other side”.
“I think we build resilience to prepare for whatever adversity we’ll face. And we all face some adversity – we’re all living some form of Option B.” Sheryl Sandberg
Motivation Mondays: Overcoming Adversity
Motivation Mondays: Overcoming Adversity
Adversity is the first path to truth. Lord Byron
Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, for wise men say it is the wisest course. William Shakespeare
Under adversity, under oppression, the words begin to fail, the easy words begin to fail. In order to convey things accurately, the human being is almost forced to find the most precise words possible, which is a precondition for literature. Rita Dove
There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time. Malcolm X
How does adversity touch our lives? Adversity can make us sad, mad, bitter and even vengeful but, those emotions will keep us down if we stay there; so, it is imperative that we look for other ways to pull ourselves out of such a quagmire. While it is important to work on our own healing during sad times, we can find that some of our pain and burden shifts when we refocus some of that attention on others. Recently, I had a health scare and had to take time out to get well. While I was on the mend, I connected with other folks who were in far worse shape than myself and, even though it was important to recognise the value of self-care, I also knew it was important to provide some comfort and cheer to others around me. Part of overcoming adversity is also about not sucking all the oxygen out of the proverbial room but pausing to empathize with others and to give them a hug, a smile and a word of hope. Option B can be the antidote to wallowing in self pity. We can reach more and comfort many when we remember that in our own pain and suffering, others are there with us and even more are suffering greater pain.
Some find their creativity is fully fueled in dark times. Why? Because adversity pulls at the very core of our soul and leaves us open to receive a deeper understanding and revelatory wisdom about ourselves. It forces us to consider our place in the world we inhabit and to think about what/why we take certain aspects of our lives for granted. Even the simple act of giving ourselves permission to eat healthy meals and get enough rest gets dangled before our eyes when our lives run amok with chaos and disappointment. It is in those hard times that we are pushed to reflect on how we have spent our time; if we stay open and honest, we might start to understand the beauty of maintaining a modicum of balance and an appreciation for the simplicity of life. In learning to find the balance that helps us stay steady on our feet, we create a space for others to experience the same and this act of conscious living spreads the ripple effect beyond our doorstep. Think about it.
A Zen Story: Watch Yourself
There was once a pair of acrobats. The teacher was a poor widower and the student was a young girl by the name of Meda. These acrobats performed each day on the streets in order to earn enough to eat.
Their act consisted of the teacher balancing a tall bamboo pole on his head while the little girl climbed slowly to the top. Once to the top, she remained there while the teacher walked along the ground.
Both performers had to maintain complete focus and balance in order to prevent any injury from occurring and to complete the performance. One day, the teacher said to the pupil:
“Listen Meda, I will watch you and you watch me, so that we can help each other maintain concentration and balance and prevent an accident. Then we’ll surely earn enough to eat.”
But the little girl was wise, she answered, ‘Dear master, I think it would be better for each of us to watch ourself. To look after oneself means to look after both of us. That way I am sure we will avoid any accidents and earn enough to eat.’
“To care for him who shall have borne the battle …” Abraham Lincoln
Veterans Day: Honoring all who served
Veterans Day: Honoring all who served – November 11 is Veterans Day: We stop everything else so we can gather together to stand up and honor/salute all of our brave members of the armed forces; about 22 million male and female Veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. Even though I’ve written about this important tradition elsewhere, it is imperative that we learn more and teach our children about it. When we read the quotation above from President Abraham Lincoln, we need to educate ourselves on its historical significance and the great effort he made to unite this nation and speak out about the moral and religious implications of war. War divides and destroys nations and our Veterans fought to bring an end to it. Let us never forget to honor all who gave selflessly and fearlessly and paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this country.
The details for Motivation Mondays are below. Join in! The themes for SEPT/OCT 2017 are:
10/01 – World Communion Sunday, Int’l. Coffee Day, Nigeria Indep. Day, World Vegetarian Day, 02 Child Health Day,
04 Feast of St Francis of Assisi, World Animal Day, 05 First Day of Sukkot, 06 World Smile Day
10/08 – 09 Leif Erikson Day, Columbus Day, Indigenous People’s Day/Native Americans’ Day, 10 World Mental Health,
11 Int’l. Day of the Girl, Come Out Day, Sukkot ends, 12 World Sight Day, 13 Friday the 13th
10/15 – 16 Bosses Day, World Food Day, 19 Diwali, Spirit Day
10/22 – World Mission Sunday, 23 Mole Day, 24 United Nations Day, 28 St Simon/St Jude, Nat’l Chocolate day
10/29 – Nat’l. Cat Day, 31 Halloween
11/05 — 05 Guy Fawkes, 7 Election Day, 10 Science Day, 11 Veterans Day
11/12 — 13 World Kindness Day, 14 Diabetes Day, 16 International Day of Tolerance, 17 National Unfriend Day
11/19 — 20 Universal Children’s Day, 21 World TV Day, 23 Thanksgiving Day
11/26 — 27 Cyber Monday, 28 Giving Tuesday
Are You Looking for Ways to Stay Creative in 2017?
– Join the Daily Post Post-a-day or Post-a-week Challenge.
— Join the BlogHer Writing Lab
More Below!
“You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it’s important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages.” Michelle Obama
Motivation Mondays: Overcoming Adversity
Motivation Mondays: Overcoming Adversity
In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider. King Solomon
Everyone is handed adversity in life. No one’s journey is easy. It’s how they handle it that makes people unique. Kevin Conroy
One of the greatest gifts my father gave me – unintentionally – was witnessing the courage with which he bore adversity. Ben Okri
Adversity is an opportunity for growth. And an opportunity to really know who your friends are. Megyn Kelly
The pressure of adversity does not affect the mind of the brave man… It is more powerful than external circumstances. Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Is being happy a panacea for helping others who feel sad? Is it possible to be prepared for the shifting winds of adversity? Adversity doesn’t offer warnings or prearranged timelines. It sweeps in like a hurricane destroying everything in its path. Some view it as a kindling of the fire within, or a way to sweep out what no longer serves us. Others view it as a trial fraught with lessons we must face and learn. I won’t presume to hold any secret cards on the subject but, one thing I know for sure is that just as the human heart ticks and feels sorrow, the pain of adversity is real and can linger for a long time. It helps to have a support structure to weather the storms of a challenging phase in our lives. Plus, we can use the time to assist others and help them ease their pain which in turn helps us too… it is that old concept of one hand washing another.
As Bankei demonstrated in the story below, all acts of misbehavior are not deserving of immediate banishment and condemnation. Of course, it does take wisdom and vigilance to know the difference but, when we look through the eyes of a child committing a bad act, we must use it as an opportunity to teach and help them learn the value in the lesson. Carrying and using a big stick is not always the answer to pithy problems. Solutions must be weighed and based on other inherent and not so obvious determinations. By the same token, when we see people suffering, instead of presuming they did wrong and are being justly punished by karma or what have you, pause and ponder…. but for the grace of the Creator, there goes you too. No? Do come back for more…
A Zen Story: Right and Wrong
When Bankei held his seclusion-weeks of meditation, pupils from many parts of Japan came to attend. During one of these gatherings a pupil was caught stealing. The matter was reported to Bankei with the request that the culprit be expelled. Bankei ignored the case.
Later the pupil was caught in a similar act, and again Bankei disregarded the matter. This angered the other pupils, who drew up a petition asking for the dismissal of the thief, stating that otherwise they would leave in a body.
When Bankei had read the petition he called everyone before him. “You are wise brothers,” he told them. “You know what is right and what is not right. You may go somewhere else to study if you wish, but this poor brother does not even know right from wrong. Who will teach him if I do not? I am going to keep him here even if all the rest of you leave.”
A torrent of tears cleansed the face of the brother who had stolen. All desire to steal had vanished.
Have a peaceful and productive week ahead!
Any Zen Antics stories via
Positive Motivation Tip: Overcoming adversity takes time and strength… Be compassionate with yourself and others.
Motivation Mondays is open to anyone who wishes to share a motivational quote, photo, personal challenge or a post that encourages others to start the week on an upbeat note.
Basic Instructions: Each week, I will have a motivation word to help us create a response. (See listed words for the months above/below)
Email address: You may email or share your post as a comment and I will add it to the round-up of related posts. email it to: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)com
Category tag: – Share your post using Motivation Mondays
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Dedicated Page: There is a dedicated page for Motivation Mondays. It has the same instructions and will include other helpful tools and a link to the round-up
Facebook Page: MotivationOnMondays Join our page and add your post and/or any motivational piece you think will be helpful to others.
Facebook Community: We have a Facebook community forum to compliment the page. It serves as another way to share uplifting posts and thoughts. Please join in and add your voice.
Badge: – I created a fun badge using PicMonkey’s free photo editing tools. You can create your own, use WordPress’ integrated tool on your blog or you are welcome to use mine. (see dedicated page)
Tag: – Motivation Mondays
Hashtag: – #MotvnM
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PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos Problems, Overcome Adversity, Happiness via Pixabay, AND/OR via Wikipedia…
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
Trackbacks
- Motivation Mondays: Be GRATEFUL | Mirth and Motivation
- Motivation Mondays: THANKFUL | Mirth and Motivation
- Motivation Mondays: GIVING BACK | Mirth and Motivation
- Motivation Monday: HUBRIS | Mirth and Motivation
- Motivation Mondays: PRESCIENCE | Mirth and Motivation
- Motivation Mondays: MORAL COMPASS | Mirth and Motivation
- Motivation Mondays: Cherish Christmas & Holidays | Mirth and Motivation
- Motivation Mondays: Stumbling Blocks | Mirth and Motivation
- Motivation Mondays: Heart Of Transitions | Mirth and Motivation
I think we all face adversity in our lives, but how we deal with it what makes the difference. Reading this post is a great way to start the week!
Thank you. I agree… it helps to have a support structure to help weather the challenge. Plus, we can do for others to help them ease their pain which in turn helps us too… One hand washing another.
Life is a gift!. Great way to start the week!
I am a firm believer that how we try to overcome adversity says a lot about a person’s values and mental health. I don’t know if you agree or not but think about it!
I sometimes find it very difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel when adversity strikes. That Zen story you told really got to me. If only we could see the good instead of the bad it will go such a long way to making the world a better place. Sometime you just need someone to shine a little torch in the tunnel for you to know there is a way out
Your post is a really great reminder. A lot of people I know, myself included, fear adversity so much. It’s amazing how you motivate me to stay strong through it all.
above everything else, adversity makes us grow. I think it can make us better people too as we do end up learning a lot about not only ourselves but about others as well.
I agree, I think everyone has their own adversity and obstacles to tackle in life, but how we challenge and overcome them is key
This is such an inspirational post on a Monday! I agree that it is how we deal with things that gets us through the ups and downs.
From adversity comes opportunities; That is what my flatmate is telling me everyday. I guess she is right. Adversity changes and improves us if we react well. And when you go through it, you know that it can be hard so you know how to help others
Whenever I am faced with challenges, I try, as much as possible, to see the ‘bright side’ of any tough situation. Also, I keep in mind that God would never burden me with something that I can’t bear. 🙂
Adversity is something we cannot escape and we all deal with it differently. When i was younger i would be in a funk for weeks and i would be so down on myself. Now that i am older i deal with things differently and i am definitely better at it. Love this post.
Love this uplifting post! The artwork is beautiful- I especially love the colorful one in the center!
When Dealing with adversity I always go back to the children’s nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.
For those unfamiliar with it, it goes:
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the king’s horses and all the king’s men
Couldn’t put Humpty together again.
It reminds me that not everything can be repaired. Illness comes, relationships & jobs disappear.
I hope that your health scare has resolved itself satisfactorily. I dealt with a difficult divorce and, at the same time, moved away from everyone I knew 2000 miles away. I’m not a huge people person, but I learned a huge lesson – when I am going through a hard time, I really need the right people around me. Sometimes, it’s a supportive network of people that survived my ordeal – sometimes, it’s my best friend or family.
Beautiful photos and I loved the zen story! We rarely notice the exact moment we overcome adversity!
I believe everyone is different but I usually like to get occupied with work, meditate, or go for a run for an immediate lift – but focus and find perspective that I cannot humanly solve everything helps in the long run.
This is a great post on adversity. It is true that while dealing with adversity ourselves it can be very helpful to help others. Self pity is something we don’t want to suck ourselves deep into which sometimes it would or could be easy too. Thanks for sharing this awesome post and your thoughts.
I agree with Yes Missy. No one ever has it perfect all the time but we can let it take us down or we can push on and wait for things to get better. In some respect.. can you have good without bad? If there was only good would we be able to recognise it? I also agree we should all be looking out for one another.
In a way being grateful is a help mate for this also because knowing I only have this, this & this is better that having chronic pain or such an such, therefore it takes some of the negativity away from my diversity. I think this is related.
I have faced my share of adversity in life as most others have as well. I do believe that as I grow, I am learning to deal with adversity more gracefully. I think learning how to thrive even in the face of adversity is one of the lessons we are supposed to learn in life.
I don’t think we can ever be prepared to face adversity but we face it head on anyway. It’s one of the best teachers when it comes to learning more about yourself and about life. It’s through adversity that we find our strengths.
This is one of my favourite comments from Justice Sotomayor. Showing empathy to others lived experiences truly helps those facing adversity when it comes their way.
I’ve been down that road so many times and it’s easier to give up sometimes, but then again when you face something challenging in life, giving up is never an option if you want to survive it. I think we should learn to face adversity with a strong heart, no matter how tough it may be. After all is said and done, there’s a life lesson waiting to be realized and an even stronger version of yourself.
One of my favorite quotes by Thomas Monson, “Good Timber does not grow with ease. The stronger the wind the stronger the trees!”
Absolutely love the pictures in the post!
This is a good read. Everyone face adversity in different forms and it’s up to the person to overcome it depending on the situation.
Connecting with other people in similar situations has always helped me to overcome adversity. It just really helps me to know that I am no alone.
I really like the message of this video that wants to convey to us. Many people suffer and face adversity in our lives. We have different ways to overcome it. It is true that Happiness is not a destination, it is a journey. and the secret of being happy is accepting where you are in life and make the most out of every day.
We definitely do build resilience as time goes on, after one hardship comes another misfortune. We cannot always be prepared to face them on our own and yes seeking help from the community or close loved ones will help. A good head on your shoulders and a positive outlook on even the worst circumstances goes a heck of a long way!
WHAT awesome inspiration!
Adversity is part of our life. We should have strenght and courage to overcome it. We are the one controling our life and It’s our decision if we let experience make us or break us.
It is all about how deal with adversity. This is such an inspiring post.
Definitely the whole, fall down 7 times but stand up 8. So important to get going and not let adversity make us bitter, but make us better.
All this is so true. You really do not realize the strength within you until you face adversity. It makes me feel, adversity is so important to understand the real meaning of life and it makes me wonder, lucky are the people who face adversities earlier in their life.
This is something I have a hard time dealing with. When facing adversity in my life, I often worry and feel lost. The quote you added: In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider. King Solomon, is one that I am reminded of often. I need to consider all angles and be grateful while I battle whatever problem I am faced with.
I think going through adversity not only helps us grow stronger as people, but it helps build empathy for others. This will assist us when we help others going through trying times.
Adversity is also something that pushes us to go out of our comfort zone, to be creative and to reinvent ourselves. It’s more of a tool for learning than for doom, but then I agree it depends on how you look at it. I liked your insights and the parallel you have drawn with the stories as a tool.
I am sure we all would have gone through some level of adversity in our lives and for some it is way too difficult to overcome it but I felt i we have got our loved one with us it is easier to cross that phase.
It’s good to figure out what causes anxiety and deal with that. Supportive friends/family and viewing the problem honestly helps.
I think adversity is part of what shapes us. It can be a great tool to encourage us to make a postitive difference to someone else’s live.
This was a really interesting post to read, thanks for sharing. We could all learn a lesson from this.
Adversity is not a coincidence, its more of an inevitable event that embraces everyone at some point. All we can is prepare and do our best!
Great post to start the week. We all have our struggles, but we have to keep moving on.
I’d definitely say my creativity is fuelled in dark times too. I think it’s a god coping mechanism actually. Writing works for me as it helps explore feelings you might not be able to articulate in voice – does that make sense? I think that once you do overcome adversity you come out the other end a better person.
I need to come back and spend some time absorbing all the wisdom you have to share here. I loved the story of the Zen river – so much to ponder. Thanks so much for sharing! XO
This was a great motivator and inspirational read this morning. I think I’ll do something great today!
yes indeed. and of course: that which does not kill us can make us stronger.
Yes, I think we all face different adversity in our lives. We have different ways to handle and to overcome this situation. It is not right to give up in times of loneliness and at the time we think we have nothing to do. Just like sister Mary, She found happiness by helping a little kitten and by helping who are needs. She is an inspiration to all of us.
I am always in fear of adversity. I do not deal well with any kind of trouble. But reading your post is very comforting 🙂
Adversity is something everyone might have faced it one way or the other. Overcoming it, thinking of it as an experience, learning from it, is what can keep us positive and progressive. The stories you refer to really make everything more interesting, bookmarking this for my friend.
I agree – challenges in life may show us our weaknesses… but also our greatest strengths: creativity, resilience, ability to work with the people around us… Life is all about learning and adversity provides us constant opportunities to do so.
I agree – challenges in life may show us our weaknesses… but also our greatest strengths: creativity, resilience, ability to work with the people around us… Life is all about learning and adversity provides us constant opportunities to do so.
Adversity is a part of all our lives but how we choose to view it is what makes a blessing in our lives…
Adversity is always in our lives and I think you have to try your hardest to manage it the best way possible. You have such a motivational post.
We often need adversity to fuel us on to the next step in our lives. Often we don’t see that we need to move on without something drastic happening.
we should find out ways to deal with adversities instead of grieving ….ofcourse things will not turn around quickly it will take some time but these things will taught you the importance of life,
I love Motivation Monday, it’s such a great way to start the week. Love reading your views on adversity!
Have come to realize that everybody faces challenges but with determination one can always get through that dark channel into the light. Thank you for this post as its quite timely.
This is a very evocative post. I wasn’t aware of all of this and am a bit shocked how old the phenomenon must be since all these famous people already commented on it. Thanks for sharing this.
I have not known of any person who has not encountered any kind of adversity in their lives. This is the fire that hones us into becoming better individuals. Weird as it may seem, but I do welcome adversity in my life. It defines who I am when they see how I emerge from it.
Another thought provoking post. We all face adversity but how we over come it is what makes us the people we are. I am stronger for all I have faced.
It’s really sad but true to say that adversity shapes and molds us into who we are today. There is so much truth in this blog post. Turning adversity and whatever challenges life throws our way helps us to become better for those we love too because it teaches us humility.
Last night I watched the PBS documentary called “Chasing Herion” It’s the incredible story of the rise of opioid use in the U.S. As a mom of a recovering addict, I can’t help but put myself in the shoes of the families. I know the struggles of the addicted. The topic of overcoming adversity made me think of all of the people who’ve made it to the other side (and the daily struggle to stay there). x
Yes, it is an epidemic that is affecting so many… empathy is imperative.
Some of my biggest periods of growth have come from challenges that I’ve faced. I need to continue to remind myself of these when faced with adversity. Also, I love the stories and images that you included in this.
I’ve been dealing with adversity all of my life because of my genetic background and choices that I’ve made through out my life. Great post.
Great read. I believe that adversity makes us stronger. It also tells us who our real friends are. You can’t be brave if only good things happen to you. 🙂
Adversity is a part of life but learning to persevere is what makes us strong in the long run!
Another beautiful piece of writing Elizabeth! Adversity is a part of everyone’s life. At times, we all feel miserable as things are not going the way as we want! But the important thing is not to lose and tackle any challenge that comes our way! I also loved your quotes collection and Napolean quote is one of my favorites!
Yes, we need to hold on and look for the wisdom and lessons in our trials.
I love how you always find images that translate and represent your prompt so perfectly. Adversity is at times like an inner struggle against outward forces and I feel your definitely captured that.
Assisting other helps us too… We must remember this. This concept seems to be forgotten most of the times
I love the quotes you put in the beginning! I can relate to them very much. Thanks for this very inspiring post.
I truly believe happiness is a journey of letting things come and go. Faith over doubt and allowing yourself to not be pulled down by negative things.
Great information about adversity and good questions, the art photos in the post is amazing!
For me, adversity is my biggest motivator to push forward and excel. I feel like because of this, I was able to accomplish goals that seemed too distant.
I chuckled at the Zen Story: The Other Side’s ending. It is a fascinating reminder that our perspective of the world reflects, our own view of ourselves!
This is a great post on adversity. I do believe helping others is something that can always help ourselves in one way or another. It is in most peoples nature to want to help others. Thanks for sharing your story and the information.
There seems to be a lot of adversity to overcome these days. With social media at our tips, it seems to invade every facet of our lives at any time of day. I love Justice Sotomayor. She is a woman with great depth. Our USSC needs more members like her and Justice Ginsberg.
my mother is the greatest example to me of overcoming adversity. After my dad died, I remember overhearing a conversation she had with a neighbor. They asked her if she was going to be okay, and she simply replied “Is there another choice?” Then she went on to persevere and create a career out of thin air after being a stay at home mother for almost a decade, in order to care for 3 children under 12.
That has always stuck with me. There is no other choice but to be okay. you are stronger than you know,.
This post was perfect for me today! My family and I are going through a trial and it is hard to stay positive at times. But I know we all go through things like this and it only makes us better.
In this chaos world, life is so difficult. Everyday seems to be a bad day. But we should always look at the positive side of the day. Life must need to go on.
Adversities only make us stronger and make us realise the importance of the good times in our lives.
This was a really enjoyable read! Adversity is a really big part of our every day lives!
Adversities is a common trait of human lives. what makes us so different is our ways to face them, allowing them to make us grow stronger or even more fragile: weakness makes us more able to understand others, so I with my adversities will help me be more and more humble and empathic
This makes think of the Brene Brown book “Rising Strong” that investigates the habits and traits of people who are good at overcoming adversity. You might like it!
Great read on a great topic. I find adversity to be a proving ground for myself. Since I’m still here, I figure that means I’m the champion of the battleground!
Yes, you sure are!
I really needed to read this today! Thank you so much!
I absolutely love this post! So well written! The Zen story definitely resonated with me. Help one another!
this is a big problem right now. It’s so important to shine a light on it because we all need to get better at this!
It’s amazing that being empathy towards others who deal with adversity in their lives could shift our own pain in certain ways. It’s quite interesting the way you incorporate Zen stories in this post.
We all have our own kinds of adversities to overcome. I think one of the most important things to remember is that others are watching to see how we react to adversities. We have the opportunity to inspire others in the midst of our trials, if we try to!
Because of this article, I can honestly say that I’m inspired and motivated that I try to deal with difference now! Great post!!
Adversity can test everything from patience to relationships. To overcome it would be difficult, but to cross it and reach the other sides of the river would be the absolute achievement.
I think adversity can be flipped and used as an advantage, I’ve faced a lot of it in my life but it’s really our outlook and attitude that counts.
I think it’s important to approach the adversity step by step and if needed ask professional help. One day we will overcome it!
Adversity is tough, but it’s accurate that sometimes it helps bring out creativity. The motivation Mondays are nice encouragement 🙂
For me adversity may come in different forms in our lives. And we need to guard our heart and mind, be ready and willing to overcome it. This post would be a great help, thanks for sharing.
Encountering adversity is how our characters are honed. Do we run away from it or do we face it head on and learn from the experience? With everything I have encountered in this lifetime, I can be proud to say that I faced each and every challenge head strong.
Overcoming adversity is easier said than done. It takes a lot of courage, patience and effort to be able to overcome it.
Love this and all of those pictures are so lovely!
I think the motivational tips you have shared are going to be super handy to all of us because now a days every one is facing adversity.. Thank you for sharing these guidance.. 😊
Every single one of us faces adversity at some season of life. Our perspective, how we choose to handle it, and the support we surround ourselves with can really help us through those hard times.
Adversity is a part of life, but you can’t overly focus on it. I find remaining optimistic even when facing adversity helps! Inspiring post!
We encounter adversity a lot in our lives and it’s never easy to deal with it but we must if we wanna survive the whole ordeal. Whenever I face an adversity, I think about that quote that I keep close to my heart, “Everybody wants happiness, nobody wants pain, but you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain.”
I love this so much as it resonates. There is no light without dark… beautiful perspective to hold and give strength in times. of difficulty. <3
Adversity is something that I feel like we face in our lives one way or another every day. It’s definitely how you handle it that makes you stronger.
I am one of those people who can be super creative when I am in a dark place! Is it weird? Maybe!
I love how the photos in the collage really demonstrate diversity. This is such a beautiful post and spot on!
Adversity is the reason why the world continues to grow
When we face a difficult or unpleasant situation, a lot of the times many of us probably choose to hide, but it’s a great reminder that when we do face them, it can make us a lot stronger and resilient.
Adversity is so important for growth yet it is so hard. I love this post. I think everyone has a different thurshold and I know we all can’t always see the bright side to this in the moment.
Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records. William Arthur Ward – I love this quote!! And adversity is something we all face! We need to learn to leave with all the ups and down but it isn’t easy at all but it’s our choice if we break or break through
we all have our own ups and downs in our lives and those misfortunes are sometimes beyond our control but all we can do is to accept them and embrace them. These could be used as a lesson in our life that we can use and make us stronger and much better person in the future
I think that adversity shapes us to be who we are now. We wouldn’t be so strong and grateful without it, because we wouldn’t know what it’s like to be sad. We need to sublime it in our own benefit. I started my blog five years ago as an online diary because I was struggling with acne and now I’m a style blogger and it’s my job. Without acne I wouldn’t have my dream job! I sublime it in good and I think that that is what’s matters.
This post has given me a lot to think about! I like that you pointed out having a support system to get through tough times. That is SO important!
Jus like most people, I have been through adversities but always overcame them. If I had a choice I would not change the experience as it taught me something and made me stronger. What important is how you handle them.
I love that you are bringing attention to something that is very forefront in our minds. The ones that go through it need a good healthy support system and understanding.
Loved this post a lot. Something that i have experienced. ADversity does bring out the best in you. We have to take everything as a challenge to overcome. I think to prevent adversity and stress or failure we need to understand that nothing is permanent and be happy with what you have. Being spiritual is more important than being materialistic to live a happy life.
I love this post. I feel it is something we can all relate to.
It can take a lot to overcome adversity. It takes an inner strength that can be hard to reach. In the end, experiences make you stronger.
This one is quite timely, especially in light of our week last week. There was a “super storm” of historical proportions here in Maine USA that knocked out power, Internet, cell towers, and things related to those, like no running water, heat, or means of communication. Talk about adversity! We were in that condition for most of the week (around 500,000 at one point!) Some tens of thousands of folks here have gone nearly TWO weeks in that condition!
This is when you’re forced to find solutions and change your daily routine until things return to normal. This reminds me of your opening quote attributed to Napoleon Hill. I have a similar one on a cross-stitch piece done by my mother-in-law (don’t know the author): “Every failure brings with it the seed of an equivalent success.” While systems around us failed, we managed to find alternatives to get us through the week: kerosene heater for heat and boiling water in pots on top of it for washing dishes and personal washing; bottled spring water for drinking and water in jugs from hubby’s shop (which did NOT lose power) for flushing the toilet; battery-operated lanterns and candles for light; and numerous projects completed around the house that didn’t require electricity (like decluttering and reorganizing).
That is remarkable… I dont even think this was covered in the media. I do hope all are doing better now. Yes, adversity forces us to find solutions.
Adversity will always exist, but facing it or running from it is a choice we have to make. Thanks for the motivation!
Everyone faces adversity one way or another but how you rise from it makes you a better a person. Some are able to rise more quickly thank others but in the end we have to have strength and belief in ourselves to overcome it. Thanks for posting such a wonderful post on this topic.
Complete balance on focus on the reality of it all would mean knowing that joy is internal and happiness is a choice.
I love this quote: adversity can open the door to unexpected strengths lying dormant within us… I just watched Stranger Thing, and this is expressed to the fullest in the series!
WOW. This is such a comprehensive post. So glad that you talked about something that so many of us experience.
Thank you for this post, it’s really a lot to think about. I loved the thought of changing the good old quote a bit “dance like everyone is watching”
Adversity is a huge part of the human make up. I think it helps us to grow and to think in different ways. I loved reading this, your posts are always inspirational along with helping me look at things a different way!
I love the Zen story! I’m sure it must be rather frustrating to hear such a response. But it does teach us that every part of our reality is subject to how we choose to perceive it.
Adversity and difficulties help us grow stronger. Totally agree!
Adversity is something that meets us every day. Without it, we would never grow.
There’s always a rainbow after the rain. So, despite adversities we have to be always hopeful.
I love your motivation posts. Adversity is a necessary evil for growth and change. It is uncomfortable but that is where the growth is.
I think it is really amazing what we can overcome when we trust and believe in ourselves, we can accomplish so much.
Cetainly an informative post and something we can all relate to. I agree, with all things in life, the way you front up these situations, is the key to survivng them.
I agree, the way that you handle any situation is the key to surving any adversity. Positivity!
What an inspirational article! I have literally just posted something on social media regarding Monday Motivation, so this made me smile. Adversity is going to happen, but I do my best to step back and reflect in order to make wise decisions 🙂 x
I have learned during the years that when faced with adversity, the best thing to is so “park it” and give us a little bit of time to think about it. If we react straight away, we let it make us sad and we allow it to affect us negatively. But when thinking about it with a clear mind, we can find solutions and manage not to let it affect our life.
Adversity is really a part of life. We just have to strive and over come them and we can be a better person.
The acrobat story is so true. I take of myself so I am better able to help my family.
Adversity is an important part of life. We often, always face it. The way we overcome it makes us person.
Thank you for reminding me the ‘otherside of river’ story, I absolutely love it. Great reminder.
I really needed this this week. I am about to graduate from my Phd, and I am extremely sad about it, which I know surprises people. But I am really worried about being without work for a while. This is just the inspiration that I need. <3
We all experience adversity in our life at one point or the other, how we deal with it will define our existence afterwards. we either roll with it or give up, its sad but that’s the truth, its always better to roll with it and try to improve or be better.
This was such a great post! I love the Motivational Monday trend- sets the tone for the week! Adversity is something we all face and with the right mindset can all overcome! You made a great point about being fueled during dark time- this is definitely something I experience
We all are faced with adversity but it really is how we deal with it that makes all the difference. Perfect Monday reminder.
I had this note pad that someone gave me as a child that said, “It’s not how far you fall, but how high you bounce back that counts.” and I kinda made it my personal motto growing up. It never failed me because I knew that there would be times I faced adversity, but it was up to me to get past them and that I could. Tons of great quotes here to live by, thanks for that 🙂
You’re right, it doesn’t offer a lick of warning when it comes. Knowing positive ways to cope and recover makes sense. Mindset is huge.
Everyone faces different adversity everyday. It can either break you or it can make you stronger once you have overcome it.
It is all comes down to how we deal with it. I usually take it easy, dont over think about it. Thanks for the Motivation! 🙂
The Zen Story: The Other Side, was very funny. I feel like these photos you used are the best that you’ve every had on your blog. I love them.
Love this! I talk about adversity and resilience in my introductory public health course. Loved Sotomayor’s quote
It is true that we never know when adversity will strike. It’s just best to stay focused and look towards the positive. It’s a part of life sometimes and we just need to accept it as such.
Many face adversity but life is all about what you make it. It’s so important to remain positive in all situations.
I love your Motivational Monday posts they are so uplifting. I agree the way you handle adveristy makes you either a weak or a strong person.
I am reading a book right now called Hatchet with my 6th graders. It’s the story of a boy’s survival in the wilderness after a plane crash. One of the take-aways of the book is that the main character learns to use his setback to his advantage. A tornado turns to be good luck, for example. Such a great lesson for kids.
Adversity helps to shape and mold us into who we are and who we want to be. It works out the muscle we call inner strength. Blessings <3 Evelyn, PathofPresence
This is true that we recognize our real strengths in the time of adversity. I have experienced this in each walk of my life, personal and professional.
This couldn’t be any truer. I’ve been going through a lot this year and sometimes find it hard to deal with everything. I keep trying to stay positive but can’t help feeling overwhelmed. I’m working on taking everything one day at a time.
Wishing you much calm and peace this season.
It is true that adversity makes us wiser and gives us a deeper understanding of our lives. Loved reading the stories!
Everyone faces challenges everyday, it helps us grow and be strong