All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me… You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you. – Walt Disney
I don’t know about you, but I’m having a hard time equating a kick in the teeth with the best thing in the world. A trip to Disney World, or winning the lottery, now either one of those things could be the best thing in the world. But adversity? Are you feeling that? I’m not sure I am.
I do agree that adversity, troubles and obstacles can all make you stronger. Maybe that’s the best thing in the world, the strength you get when you face challenges head on. I’m not saying it’s easy, and I’m definitely saying that it’s fun, but there is a certain satisfaction in facing down your troubles and conquering them.
Think about some challenges you’ve faced recently. I’m sure when they were happening there was a lack of fun and enjoyment, but think about when you came out on the other side of those challenges. How did you feel? Stronger than ever? Maybe not physically, but emotionally. Maybe that’s the best thing in the world.
I was faced with my own challenge just yesterday. A little bit of backstory – I live in a small town in New England. Well yesterday, I was driving down the road minding my own business when I caught something running into the road out of the corner of my eye. I tapped on the brakes, and BAM! a deer RAN INTO THE SIDE OF MY CAR! No, I did not hit a deer, a deer hit me., and yes, I got a bazillion Rory Gilmore memes on my facebook page lol. Anyhow, I stopped, of course, and looked into my rear view mirror to see the deer get up and run into the woods. There was nothing left to do but drive on.
When I got to a place where I could pull over, I went to get out to look at the damage (other than the dangling side view mirror) when I realized something. I couldn’t open my door. After climbing over the center console and out the passenger side of my car, I took a look at the drivers side and yep, the door and fender were caved in. Hang on, I do have a point to make. I climbed back in the passenger side and back over the center console to home, climbed back out and then did what I had to do.
I called the insurance, called the police to see if I should have maybe called them when it happened (no), and got the claim started on my car. Today I got the car to the body shop (more climbing over that damned center console) and got my rental car. I did all of this without falling apart. Now I know there are people who are thinking, “Big deal, that’s not a challenge.” Well, 1. Yes it is, and 2. Don’t judge or compare, your stuff is your stuff. And actually, I do feel a bit more in charge, capable, and yes even stronger. Was a deer running into my car the best thing in the world? Absolutely not, but dealing with it on my own, maybe that was.
