Adversity is a Lesson
2011-04-20 at 02:04 pm
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Overcoming Adversity
by Amrit Hallan
Do you ever think that there is no end to the problems you face? Do you feel that with each step forward, adverse circumstances pull you two steps back? If so, then welcome to the majority. Most people feel the same way.
A wise person rightly said that pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. You have to decide how much suffering your pain is going to inflict upon yourself and those around you.
Here are a few ways of thinking that will help you turn adversity into a postive experience.
Adversity is a Symptom, Not a Cause
Frequently adversity is a symptom of some other, deeper problem. You just lost your job, and you may think this is a devastating turn of events. But do you try to figure out why you lost a job? What made you so dispensable? Was it the right career for you?
Similarly, if you are sick or your loved one is sick, try to figure out why the sickness has happened. Is it your lifestyle? Is it the environment around you? Is it simply your attitude?
As physical pain is a symptom of some malady, your adversity is a symptom of another problem. Although your first priority is to handle the current situation, you should make a mental note of the source of the problem. Unless you solve it, you’ll keep getting into similar situations.
Adversity is a Lesson
The busyness of our lives doesn’t allow us time to pause and appreciate the people we have around us. Adversity often awakens us to the treasures that are far more important than money and material possession: our health, our family and our friends.
Sudden financial losses teach us that we shouldn’t base our happiness on money. An illness teaches us to be humble and lead a healthy life. A sudden loss in the family makes us appreciate the cycle of birth, life and death. Such things may seem superficial, but you should learn from adversities if you don’t want them to control your life.
Adversity is Guidance
Sometimes adversity comes to your life to suggest that it’s time to change course. For example, when someone leaves you there is no use sulking and blaming yourself (and even the other person, frankly). Instead you should take it as a sign that a newer and more enlightened relationship should be sought that is more meaningful or constructive. Or maybe you should invest your time in other pursuits for the time being.
“I was complaining that I had no shoes till I met a man who had no feet,” Confucius said, and this is so true. Rather than getting bogged down with our own problems we should pay attention to people who happily survive, and even prosper, despite all odds. When you open your eyes and have a look at the larger world, you’ll be happy to know how well life has treated you.
Love & Light,
♥Angel Love♥
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22 Responses to “Adversity is a Lesson”
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I try not to place labels yet I get condemned for not doing so in ways….example…Yesterday people were quick to say mean things…Demeaning others… for me reposting a virus alert that really didn’t concern me but I was trying to be helpful…Yet people tend to jump to conclusions…That is labeling, Have a wonderful day. God bless
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Angel Love Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
I wouldn’t take anything personally, Jean…i did leave a comment on that, but didn’t notice any that were demeaning…hope that u didn’t take mine as such, as it certainly was not meant to be! It just irked me that folks would actually open up a youtube that was depicting that…and I doubt that it even was, but still thinking that is what you were going to see is pretty voyeuristic of a such a tragedy! Much love!
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IAMRCx Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
I try to show respect towards everyone, even when it isn’t returned. When I post, I know that I run the risk of someone writing something back that is demeaning or otherwise small. I have developed a thick skin towards such remarks…unless they are directed towards someone I consider good hearted or unable to fend for themselves…then the country raising comes out in me…I lose my religion…and fire back. Right or wrong, it is a part of who I am. :-)
Angel, everything is a lesson. There is no pass, no fail. Adversity either develops character or brings that character out. IMO. Nice blog!
RC
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Angel Love Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
Absolutely, RC…life is all one big lesson with all its ups and downs. It is all about how we cope and what we learn from it!
What I feel about demeaning comments, is that it is the shortcomings of the person leaving them and has nothing to do with me…they are just reflecting what is within themselves, so I don’t take anything personally.
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When you face a hurdle you can’t get over, then go around. When you come to a wall that will not move, then knock it down. When you come to a fork in the path of life and neither one will lead you home, then turn around. When you feel your heart breaking and you don’t know what to do, reach out and I will be there. Just remember, there is nothing that can’t be overcome with a little understanding.
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Angel Love Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
Very true words! Where there is a will, there is a way through any problems that we encounter. Everything happens for a reason, and our job is to overcome, learn and grow from any adversity that we are faced with!
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I would have never watched such . I just reposted the warning to warn others of what could be. It is demeaning to me when it is “concluded” that I was or had watched such but I am alright. God knows me…knows my heart
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Angel Love Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
I must have missed some of the comments then, as I never would have thought for a second that you would do that!!! What was running through my mind was that any sicko that would click to open it, deserved a virus! And maybe that was unkind for me to think that, but it is what struck me in the moment. Suicide is such a sad thing, and to think that people would get off watching someone do it online was disgusting to me!
Much love to you! 
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Truer words were never spoken. Beautifully written.
xoxo
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Angel Love Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 3:12 pm
Thanks for stopping by, Marcia! Love & hugs!
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Marcia Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Ok, let’s see if the green thumb shows.
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Marcia Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
See, no green thumb. It’s driving me nuts.
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Angel Love Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 3:23 pm
It only works on someone else’s comment, not on your own!
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no problem ~ only solutions *
truly true, it is only >thinking< that finds problems.
..not that thinking can't find solutions, but have u ever noticed when faced with what is percieved as a most difficult problem, a WALLL of a problem… it can become like a zen koan. thinking thinking thinking and more thinking… until thinking dissolves n zazen spontaneously takes place… n solutions arrive out of the clear blue sky ~ mind
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Angel Love Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 4:31 pm
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quantum_environmentalist Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
i’ve had a few experiences working on vehicles where i just COULD NOT figure out how to get something loose that was stuck n in a tight spot… n trying trying trying n nothing would work that i thought of… until the point of absolutely coming to spontaneous no mind…spontaneously thinking dissapeared, n an unknown period of no mind happened.. then out of that was born a spontaneous solution.
more like that
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Angel Love Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 5:06 pm
Yes, I have had those moments too…then just leave it…only to have a eureka moment happen soon thereafter!
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marthamagenta Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
This happens to me. I find it is no use wrestling with a problem or getting frustrated. I stop, have a break, and when I am not even thinking about the problem a number of possible solutions come along, then I get it solved
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quantum_environmentalist Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 5:20 pm
beautiful moments
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Angel Love Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 6:49 pm
for sure!
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I have never yet been in front of a mountain too high that I could not circumnavigate over or around it…. what does not kill us, makes us stronger- just my own belief… very interesting Post!
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Angel Love Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 6:52 pm
Yes…for as long as we are still breathing, there is a purpose to our lives and no obstacles should stop us from fulfilling it!
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