We all experience hardship and difficulties in our lives. If we set upon a path filled with rivalry and scarcity of reward, we will certainly meet challenges in our process. These obstacles continue to challenge our selves, even after they seem to have gotten the best of us in certain domains. We often look back at these moments with sadness and label them as tragedies. But what if the beauty of tragedies was that they remain, until resolved, a challenge by which we can grow as a person, as a human being?
Athletes face challenges at every turn of their path, to find adequate levels of training and rest, to balance trust in their abilities and planning for unexpected moments, and ultimately to face opponents who have set out to be victorious above them. Artists, entrepreneurs, anyone in any field experiences challenges.
What’s common about all challenges is that they could affect us personally. Dealing with obstacles makes us exhaust our options. We look for all the resources at our disposal and think of all the possible options and strategies for action. Ultimately, however, we must always find the strength in us to do what must be done; to not back down or be intimidated. For some, if the difficulty seems overwhelming, this might even be the first necessary step.
The method is simple: To accept reality for what it is, and not what we rather it be, to see things as they truly are, which means letting go of assumptions and biased interpretations, and to vow to do every single thing within our power.
Each of these steps are difficult on their own. What matters, for a large part, is often to be brave. To acknowledge the fears and to move forward nonetheless. Or in other words, to take a leap of faith. Faith in one’s own abilities and experiences but also in the process of life. Remembering that nothing bad happens to those who try to do good. For nature has not maintained its harmony and balance without justice in its entirety.
What seems to be bad, what seems to be unwanted, must be understood as an element in a larger process with a purpose. That purpose could be viewed by us, to be our improvement and growth. Only in this way can we start to see the positives and unique opportunities of our obstacles. Only then, as Marcus Aurelius once put, does the obstacle become the way.
Adversity in this way, while still uncomfortable and painful in its effects, remains the tool by which good people can practice their characters for the best. As a culture we celebrate this who faced with tragedy rose up to stand tall. We venerate people who took challenges that seemed hopeless and fought with every single cell in their bodies. This is what we must remember when difficulty inevitably comes: we can be like all those we admire, all we need is action.
True pride in one’s value and worth comes with the knowledge that we did our best and showed ourselves to have character and faith. We must practice self-belief and self-love with action. Our experiences are the best reminders for our insecurities.
And so, with this, we can see that tragedies remain obstacles. Closure of whatever it may be called, is to deal with the inner obstacles and to move on, to become tranquil by choice and practice. The peace and happiness we seek will be the result of our practices and actions.
Yes, actions speak louder than words. But not just for others but especially for ourselves…
Orange Stoic 