Facing the Challenge
Challenges not only define our character but they build it as well.
Who are you really? Are you someone that pushes the limits to achieve because you feel so strongly that it is your destined path? Or do you say to yourself “I’m not sure, I’ll sit back and wait” and then never try because it’s easier?
I am someone who pushes the limits, I like a challenge, I think for me that comes from being an athlete in competitive team sports. I don’t get as much athletic sport in as I used to, responsibilities are more in demand but competition has always been very inspiring and motivating for me. Chances are if you’ve ever taken part in any team sport “sitting back and waiting” isn’t a desired skill of any team player, you have to get in there and dig a little.
Although being a team player doesn’t necessarily mean that “pushing the limits” is carried out in your daily life as well, you may feel you’re not as confident alone as you are with the team. It all depends on you personally, what your goals and intentions are and how strongly you feel about what you want out of this life.
Recently I had to adapt to a difficult and challenging experience and I have to admit that while in the midst of it I did not feel very strong but now through it and out on the other side I’ve found that it has expanded my awareness and opened my beliefs to a higher level of appreciation. Every life experience, no matter the level of difficulty, is there to teach us something. We all go through experiences that ultimately are there to make us a better person and we have two choices. We can either recognize, learn and grow from them or we can ignore them and wallow in our dislike of the experiences.
Obviously the more challenging the experience the greater the demand is for inner strength to endure it and depending on the circumstances and how much support you have around you, it can affect how well you cope. Sometimes being alone can put you in the company of your worst enemy.
I’ve had conversations with others who have evoked the same emotion at that moment that they felt at the time when recalling something that made them sad. It’s amazing how the heart can hold onto an emotion for what seems like an eternity even well after a challenging transition has concluded. I think sometimes it can feel surprising that our emotion just sits there below the surface, dormant until something triggers it.
I feel that this recent experience was meant to break me open yet again to propel me onto a new path and eventually when I do take a glance back to see how far I’ve come I will be surprised, monumental change is ahead and it’s all positive!
My faith was challenged, as was my inner strength but now I say “Bring it On!”, I have the determination to not let my challenges or tests break or weaken me, I know they are meant to make me stronger. It all starts with taking that “leap of faith”; a real “leap of faith” means believing in something so fiercely that there is no possibility for any other outcome other than that which you believe in. That belief cannot be deterred by circumstance, delay or setbacks; it is ignited by signs and omens that insinuate and fan the flames of our imagination and intuition of that which we see in our mind’s eye and will come to be.
Remember, it’s not about what you take with you, it’s about what you build and authenticity is the most important character trait you can possess. Genuine, heartfelt emotional connections to others are the bread of life and it’s through those connections that we find who we are meant to be, what we are meant to do and where we are meant to go and ultimately who will be with us.
Those kindred spirits are the ones we are meant to connect with, the ones we travel through this life with and the ones we can’t do without. Build that life and only happiness can follow.
Shelley Hallmark 