What’s the Worst Thing That’s Ever Happened to You?

Over the last couple of weeks my family has been involved in one of those tear-jerking situations. You know, the kind that reminds you of the phrase “whatever doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger”…

As we’ve come to terms with the problems at hand I’ve had the chance for much reflection, and have created the video above to share my thoughts and insights.

Yes, bad things do happen to good people. They vary in degree and frequency from person to person but almost always have several things in common:

• No matter how horrifying the situation, something positive can always come as a result.
  As a parent I believe the worst thing that could ever happen in my life would be to have a child victimized. In true testimony of the power of love and courage, many parents have gone through unimaginable tests of their spirit which have resulted in incredible good. Take for example the case of John Walsh, who lost his young son Adam to violence and went on to fight for justice with his show “America’s Most Wanted”.
  
• In times of trouble it’s human nature for people to bond together, put aside differences, and recognize our common humanity.
  When we think of 9-11 many of us are reminded of the love, patriotism, and sense of brotherhood that followed this most tragic event.
  
• With time and reflection, often we can recognize our past pains as stepping stones to something better.
  One of the worst things that’s happened to me was an excruciating divorce. At the time I was devastated and thought I ‘d never recover from the pain. When I look back, I realize that my current life and family are amazing in ways that I never would have experienced had I remained in my first marriage to avoid the pain of divorce and loneliness.
  
• Personal growth can occur as the result of overcoming adversity.
  In the case of pilot Chesly Sullenberger, tremendous leadership and bravery were instantaneous results of a horrible nightmare. Despite the loss of both engines after US Airways Flight 1549 flew through a flock of geese, Mr. Sullenberger managed to crash land into the Hudson River, saving the lives of over 150 people.
  
• The opportunity to contrast and compare.
  If we were to live in a perfect world, would we believe it to be so? Would we be grateful for good health if we were never to experience poor health? Would we appreciate pleasures such as vacations if there were no such thing as work? There seems to be a need for balance in the Universe in order for us to achieve happiness and wholeness.

I could go on but I think you’ve got the point. It’s true that adversity can always present an opportunity, whether in our personal lives or in business. Within each precious moment of our lives, each of us alone is given the power and the choice to either move in a forward or a backward direction. There is no standing still. Overcoming adversity is the action that helps us to move in the right direction.

I’d like to leave you with some food for thought:

• Prior to his election into office, Abraham Lincoln failed in business, had a nervous breakdown, and lost 6 various governmental elections.
  
• Despite total isolation from the world around her, a deaf and blind Helen Keller graduated from college and went on to become an author, political activist, and lecturer.
  
• Walt Disney was at one time unemployed, after the failure of his Laugh-O-Gram Studio.

If this has resonated with you, I welcome your comments and feedback. What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you? Did you make the choice to move forward rather than backward? How has your choice impacted your life and the lives of others?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and stories about overcoming adversity!

Tagged as: inner peace & personal development, overcoming adversity