Make adversities proportionate to self growth
June 2009
Advertisities can be stepping stones to growth
Life is beautiful. It is joyous, promising and full of adventures. But at the same time, life is not a bed of roses. It is a journey embellished with joys on one hand and strewn with challenges on the other. In fact, an integrated, balanced life is a perfect blend of both good and bad events. Some of us are intimidated by the struggles of life while the wise and courageous are inspired by them. It is rightly said-“Adversities cause some men to break; others to break records”.
All of us react differently to adversities. For some, they are the deep wells of darkness which leave them highly embittered and crippled for life. Their growth stops. While for others, there is no such thing as negative experience-only opportunities to grow, learn and advance along the road of self-evolvement. In fact, greater the adversity, higher is their growth. These are the brave, persistent individuals whose deep-rooted, unflinching faith in themselves and the Divine propels them ahead amidst the hardships of life and helps attain an exceptionally tall stature. Some of our noted great men like Dr. A P J Kalam and Lal Bahadur Shastri attained great heights despite spending their childhoods in great poverty and deprivation. Their trials proved to be a catalyst in their phenomenal growth.
Life is based on the principle that every incident of life, whether good or bad, has a purpose. Every painful situation that we experience is designed just for us, so that we may learn a very special lesson. The purpose of every lesson is to bring us deeper and deeper into faith and love and the recognition of who we are. Just like storms make trees take deeper roots, the trials and tribulations of life strengthen and elevate a person, enabling him to lead a highly fruitful and meaningful life.
Two cancer survivors can view life in sharp contrast to each other. The first person became extremely perverted and pessimistic with ugly, indelible scars of the bygone, painful days on his present life. Recalling his chemotherapy, he said- “I can never forget those drops of poison entering my body, neither will I ever understand why God punished me so”. On the contrary, the second survivor was flooded with deep gratitude. He said- “I am a chosen one of God. I feel highly indebted to Him for helping me back to safety and good health”.
These two contradictory versions speak volumes. The first survivor’s negativism has killed all prospects of self-growth. He will probably spend the second innings of his life, so mercifully bestowed upon him, wallowing in self-pity and torturous memories. Whereas, the second survivor has learnt his lessons well and wisely converted adversity into an opportunity of self-growth.
When we search for the positive in every circumstance, however negative in the worldly eyes, our life elevates itself to its highest dimensions. This is the point where self-exploration starts and true inward journey begins. It is only during these challenging times that we are compelled to explore the unlimited potentials imprisoned in human body and mind, which otherwise would probably remain dormant and untouched throughout our lives.
A bright, golden dawn is fully appreciated after a pitch dark, moonless night. Similarly, life assumes great beauty after struggles. The problems depart, living behind a highly enriched individual.
Try to see the so-called negative circumstances as gifts of God. Grow and evolve. Instead of viewing yourself as a victim of the circumstances, inculcate the wisdom and courage to see yourself as the creator of your destiny.
Discussion (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Leave a Comment
You need to login to post a comment.