How to Face Adversity and Stay Strong
When a tree faces a windstorm or a snowstorm, it has two options: fall over or withstand the force.
A friend of mine is a landscape architect. He talks about Bradford Pear trees with great disdain because they are such a popular choice in landscaping, and yet they are weak trees. Although they look pretty, due to their poor roots and thin branches, they deteriorate in about 20 years if they do not toppled in a windstorm sooner. Storms do not strengthen the Bradford Pear tree, they destroys it.
However, many other varieties of trees actually strengthen in storms. With hearty trunks and branches that flex in storms, they withstand the strength of the snow or wind and continue to grow stronger. There are two lessons here:
1. Lesson of adaptation—being flexible when you face adversity (without snapping your trunk) will help you weather the storms of life.
2. To slightly rephrase a common cliché—That which does n0t uproot us, makes us stronger.
Being flexible when faced with adversity (without snapping your trunk) will help you weather the storms of life. Just like a Bradford Pear, if the core of who you are is brittle and inflexible, you will confront problems with rigidity and likely be uprooted. A much better option is to look for ways to lessen the affect of the problem by shifting our attitude and actions.
And of course we have all heard “that which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger,” but it is true. Be thankful in times of trial. If you are not pushed beyond what you thought was your breaking point, and survived, you will not grow.
Be thankful for the consistent symbols all around us which remind us to face adversity with flexibility and thankfulness. After all, how else are you going to grow?
Be Free!
Leah Simpson
Instructor
Leah,
This information could not come at a better time in my life.
I am in the midst of the biggest challenge I have faced to date,and it has taken its toll,but I am learning how to adjust,how to be flexible,and most importantly,how to remain grateful.
As I look back over my life,my greatest adversities have resulted in my greatest growth and successes.This situation(actually a combination of many)is no different.
Thanks for reminding me of what I need to continue to do to succeed and to learn the lessons as well as receive the blessings this challenge brings with it.
Barbara Henry~http://www.barbarajhenry.com
Comment by Barbara J — January 25, 2010 @ 1:02 pm
Extremely nice post Leah, thank you!
Comment by Bud Katheman — January 25, 2010 @ 8:36 pm