Do you ever think that there is no end to the problems you face? Do
you feel that with each step forward, adverse circumstances pull you two
steps back? If so, then welcome to the majority. Most people feel the
same way.A wise person rightly said that pain is inevitable but
suffering is optional. You have to decide how much suffering your pain
is going to inflict upon yourself and those around you.Here are a few
ways of thinking that will help you turn adversity into a postive
experience.
Adversity is a Symptom, Not a Cause
Frequently adversity is a symptom of some other, deeper problem. You
just lost your job, and you may think this is a devastating turn of
events. But do you try to figure out why you lost a job? What made you
so dispensable? Was it the right career for you?Similarly, if you are
sick or your loved one is sick, try to figure out why the sickness has
happened. Is it your lifestyle? Is it the environment around you? Is it
simply your attitude?As physical pain is a symptom of some malady, your
adversity is a symptom of another problem. Although your first priority
is to handle the current situation, you should make a mental note of the
source of the problem. Unless you solve it, you’ll keep getting into
similar situations.
Adversity is a Lesson
The busyness of our lives doesn’t allow us time to pause and
appreciate the people we have around us. Adversity often awakens us to
the treasures that are far more important than money and material
possession: our health, our family and our friends.Sudden financial
losses teach us that we shouldn’t base our happiness on money. An
illness teaches us to be humble and lead a healthy life. A sudden loss
in the family makes us appreciate the cycle of birth, life and death.
Such things may seem superficial, but you should learn from adversities
if you don’t want them to control your life.
Adversity is Guidance
Sometimes adversity comes to your life to suggest that it’s time to
change course. For example, when someone leaves you there is no use
sulking and blaming yourself (and even the other person, frankly). Instead you should take it as a sign that a newer and more enlightened
relationship should be sought that is more meaningful or constructive.
Or maybe you should invest your time in other pursuits for the time
being.”I was complaining that I had no shoes till I met a man who had no
feet,” Confucius said, and this is so true. Rather than getting bogged
down with our own problems we should pay attention to people who happily
survive, and even prosper, despite all odds. When you open your eyes
and have a look at the larger world, you’ll be happy to know how well
life has treated you.
This is a guest post by Amrit Hallan. Amrit has just begun sharing his thoughts on life at Lifeonomy and maintains a how-to blog at HowToPlaza where he publishes links to the latest how-to blog posts and articles from all over the web.
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