WHAT DOES NOT KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER

Adversity is inevitable. When faced with adversity, you can do two things. Either close your eyes and succumb to it. Or look into its eyes with confidence and say, “I am stronger than what you think”. In the former case, adversity has no choice but to engulf you and make you its slave forever. In the later, you prepare yourself to fight with it with all you have. In this fight, remember, you will always be a winner. This fight teaches you valuable lessons that are priceless. Every fight will make your next fight easier. You cannot avoid unexpected and unpleasant situations. These are what keep us alive and grounded. Adversity changes us, either for better or worse. We can use this force to become a diamond, or we can go through life as an ordinary piece of coal. What the world is facing today is challenging. How we deal with the challenge is what makes a difference. This is what defines you and molds you for the future.

I never thought that I’ll admit and in fact document this but I have learned more from adversities than from pleasant experiences. The first and most important thing it has taught me is to trust my struggle. This gives me confidence. Everything in life has a reason behind it, and everything occurs because of the presence of a mighty power that has planned your entire life. So, nothing goes wrong. That’s the silver lining.

It’s said that “when you’re thankful for the little, God will give you more to be thankful for”. My second learning is to be thankful always for what you get- sweet or sour. You earned it. Nothing goes waste in this world. The fact that you can still feel and experience is mystic in itself. Lots of gratitude for this. I, in fact, have more gratitude for the ones who did not make me feel the way I wanted to be felt. They are the ones who changed my course and made me see things differently. I read this quote somewhere at some point in time without even realizing its true meaning. It says, “In life when you encounter mean and hurtful people, treat them like sandpaper. No matter how rough they may scrub you, you end up being polished and smooth”. Lots of gratitude for sandpapers in my life.

When the world seems to be indifferent, there is always one person who makes a difference in your life. Hard times always reveal true friends or companions. This is my learning number three. In my case, my family has always been my biggest strength and companion. Their unconditional love and belief in me and my abilities keep me going confidently. For such companions, you are never as good as the last experience you gave them. No matter what, you will always be the same. You are not an option or choice but a constant in their equation of life. So, never take them for granted.

My fourth learning is my favorite quote actually which does wonders. In tough times, it makes me feel light and stay focused. In good times, it keeps me grounded. It says, “This too shall pass”. Good times or bad times, nothing lasts forever. So, why get restless or panic? When in adversity, think about the light at the end of the tunnel. When having a good fortune, remember to be thankful, stay grounded, and share it with others. "Do not over strategize and plan when elated", my wife always says this. This is the time to stay in control and steer in the right direction with more confidence. Build more during this time.

Do you also agree that sometimes we experience setbacks due to lack of preparation and foresight? If yes, the fifth lesson is mutual. Adversity has taught me to be proactive rather than reactive. This makes a lot of sense professionally as well and the world is experiencing it right now. One thing we all are learning from adversity is the need to plan ahead and constantly be on top of the game.

My sixth and probably the last lesson (so far) is, never to give up on yourself. Do not take no for an answer. No matter how things go, adversity teaches us to persevere, have faith, and keep eyes on the goal and the purpose which is larger than life. Defeat your inabilities and believe in your abilities to overcome the challenges. This drive should never end. No one can stop you. Stay determined and you shall overcome the adversity. Look at opportunities and not difficulties.

Just like gold has to be tested through fire, we individuals too, have to be tested with disappointments, criticisms, challenges, and road-blocks. Without these, we can never move forward in life.

Succinctly, resting my thoughts with a beautiful quote that reads, “The same boiling water that softens potatoes, hardens eggs. It’s all about what you are made of and not your circumstances”. Adversities always reveal your true character.