In life, all of us will face obstacles. Adversity, as we call it, insists that we respond to a series of questions: Will we adapt, do what we have got to do, and move forward, or will we allow the opposition to win? Will we be transmitters or transformers? Will we find opportunity and silver among the clouds, or will we find storms in every sunset? How we choose to respond to adversity can make or break our ability to accomplish the purposes we choose to pursue. Fortunately, much of the adversity we face in life ultimately works in our favor. It challenges us. It teaches us. It causes us to reach a little higher and dig a little deeper.
When I think of the value of adversity, I am reminded of the following story as told by Jerry Stemkoski: One early spring day I met an old farmer. It had been a rainy spring, and I commented about how good it must be for the crops to have so much rain early in the season. He replied, “No, if the weather is too easy on the crops now, the plants may only grow roots on the surface. If that happens, then a storm could easily destroy the crops. However, if things are not so easy in the beginning, then the plants will have to grow the strong and deep roots they need to get at the water and nourishment down below. If a storm or drought comes, they are more likely to survive.” Now I look at rough times as an opportunity to put down some roots to help me weather future storms that may come my way.
You may have seen individuals who have been handed everything in life, not having to work for anything, only to see their lives come crumbling down because they never developed strong enough roots to “weather the storm.” They were unable to adapt because they were never forced to deal with adversity. They were unable to transform because they could only see storms within the sunset. Think about one of life’s challenges you have faced and about the opportunity it represented. What did you learn from it? Did you reach higher and dig a little deeper? Then, did you move forward with the knowledge that you are stronger as a result of the experience? You have the right stuff!
By Marsha A Berland June 25, 2017
this was a truly great blog, everyone wants it easy, but in reality it is not easy to lose weight, we lose 1 pound at a time (for example) and if we lost 20 pounds in a week then we might think it would be like that all the time, and its not. Thanks for sharing
By Rena Sandquist June 20, 2017
I’m using TOPS online instead of attending meetings. Any advice on how to use TOPS online to get the most from it. The Blogs are great!
By Barb Cady June 25, 2017
I recommend signing up for the coaching messages and blogs, using the self care program, checking out the tools available in the member area including all the recipes and availing yourself of the facebook online group and our online meetings. Wishing you lighter ways ahead!
By Christy Weber June 12, 2017
Thank you Thank you Thank you! This is exactly what I need to read today. I could tell you all the grueling circumstances I’ve been dealing with but I know I am stronger and more resourceful because of them. I keep telling myself that anyway. Sometimes I just want to give up, curl up and eat what I want, do what I please and forget the consequences. Your blog post reminds me that I am strongly rooted and more powerful and tenacious than I think I am.
By Meg Hoffman June 12, 2017
Love this story! I remember being so very elated when the scale no longer showed a 2 for the first number. I’m so happy about that to this day. It is so worth it – keeping to goal – eating only normal grocery store healthy foods and exercise I LIKE to do – every day. Now I find the odor from a deep-fry food stand turns my stomach and a teaspoon of sugar on my sugar-free cereal is spook sweet. Thank you TOPS – and my mum – for wise and healthy food choices. I’m 71 in a month and feel 35. Yea TOPS
By Fredrick L Gilliland Ks 0060 June 12, 2017
I use your blog`s to close my meetings. I consider them as an inspirational message for my members to dwell on during the coming weeks in their life.
I did this for myself also to make me a better leader.
By Ron Wenberg June 12, 2017
WOW!!! Love this one! Oh so true. When I first joined TOPS I never ever thought I’d see 200 on the scale except for it flying by as it went over 300. But it was seeing and knowing that losing weight is a long challenge. Especially when you have to lose over 100 lbs. There were lots of adversity and challenges along the way, but I just dug my feet in and kept going. 10 lbs at a time. I learned how to adapt many times along the way. It’s like our Area Captain Program this year – the last song, don’t stop believing! Just keep going and figure out what works for you!