One of the most profound teachings I’ve been given took place in the course of my life during a very difficult situation. It was a point in time when almost everything began to feel as if it was falling apart and I was at my lowest.. I was stressed, anxious and afraid of the unknown.
It was during difficult times such as this that I came to understand the usefulness of misfortune, grit and determination. While there were disadvantages and difficulties I encountered, I simply could not and would not stop trying. I still combatted the pain and the injury, however unbearably it ‘seemed’ because the entire world appeared to work against me. I understood that power is not the absence of challenges, but rather the conviction to confront challenges and the resolution that one will emerge from those challenges victorious.
And by this, I also understood the worth of the stance. I turned my back from the bad side of everything that surrounded my situation and rather frantically searched for ways to cope and draw a lesson. I started viewing obstacles not as brick walls, but as barriers I can overcome and become better from them.
In addition to the above, I understood the essence of self care and self kindness. I figured that in order to make it past the hard times, I would need to take care of my mental, emotional and physical health first. I started engaging in mindfulness and meditation. I started using healthier ways of coping with stress and anxiety. I remained in the company of good friends and family who would always uplift me in my low times.
Finally, I embraced the importance of appreciation. While I was going through my own mess, I began realizing the small pleasures in life and the things that I often took for granted. I understood how to appreciate the positive things in my life, irrespective of how little or unimportant they seemed.
All in all, this situation challenged and shaped me for the better in so many ways that I have become a strong woman.