‘Misfortune is a wind that blows away all but the things which can be blown,’ - Arthur Golden.
Originally, I came across this sometime ago during my exams and it really made me think. Being in my mid 20s and trying to get my diploma for a start, together with different challenges in life made me relate to its words. I like to compare the difficulties I face in life to waves of strong and unrelenting winds that challenge the stability of my sails as I confront them.
In much the same way that strong winds prove the large size of a tree when they remove all the small branches that cling to it, troubles were gradually removing all the inessential from my personality, gradually revealing my true character and motives. During this period, I often felt a mix of anxiety and determination. The uncertainty of the future weighed heavily on my mind, yet each challenge I faced also filled me with a growing sense of resilience and self-awareness. There were moments of frustration and doubt, but they were accompanied by a newfound clarity and strength that guided me through.
After my early education, I felt that I was aimless and this quote opened my eyes - hardships are not things to pity myself for, but chances. My goals became clarified: to study as well as to grow up emotionally so that I can be in a position to achieve my goals and dreams.
Inspired, I strived day after day and night after night. It was as if strong winds shook a small tree; financial, health and relationship problems emerged. Some days I felt hopeless.
But being able to recall this quote enabled me to change my perception – to focus on the essentials and not the aesthetics. One specific hardship I faced was dealing with a significant financial setback. I had to work multiple jobs online to meet necessary needs and living expenses, often sacrificing sleep and social life to make ends meet. This period was incredibly stressful, but it taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of prioritizing my goals.
While this is ongoing to date, reflecting on this quote over the years has been quite useful in maintaining an empowering perspective. With each difficulty, I would ask – “what is this challenge telling me that I have inside of me that I need to face?" What weakness do I need to build?” Tests check knowledge, financial troubles check one's financial responsibility, argumentation checks temperance. As a result, I have come out of this experience with a greater level of confidence in my abilities and my personality - aware of where growth can still be made.
This quote means that one should embrace hardship bravely instead of hating it. Despite the dazzling spires carved out by gales, the heat of the fire tempers fine steel to perfection. Likewise, it is about allowing challenges to mould and transform us into improved individuals. It is still useful to this day to help me cultivate the strong sense of self that is required to fulfil one’s aspirations.
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