Strength through adversity
What challenges in life would you say have made you stronger and more resilient?
Have you ever looked back at a difficult time and, from that perspective, seen how you were made stronger because of it?
Usually when we’re moving through difficulties — relationship break-ups, job loss, health challenges — it’s hard to see how there’s anything good about it. But down the road, after some healing, there’s a sense of resiliency and new strength in those places that were once so tender and wounded.
Sometimes it feels like we’re all little pearls spinning around in our oyster, bumping up against irritants that refine us and soften our hard edges. The longer I live, the more I appreciate and relate to this sense of strength being born out of adversity.
“To create a pearl, an oyster needs an aggravating parasite inside its shell. It builds layers of calcium carbonate around the invader, gradually fabricating the treasure.
How long does it take from the initial provocation to the finished product? Five years for a pearl of average size, and as many as 10 years for a big one.
Our question for you: How many years have you been engaged in the process of transforming your irritant into a masterpiece? How many more years do you think you still have to go?” — Rob Brezsny
I share this quote because it’s helpful at times to review how far we’ve come — what irritants have created in us areas of strength and resilience.
Where are you in your journey of being refined? Have some challenges in life created a more authentic you? I’d love to hear about it.
Let’s keep the conversation going
Do you believe the old saying, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?” Does this ring true for you? What role has this saying played in your life? Where are you in your journey of being refined? Have some challenges in life created a more authentic you? Or are you in the messy middle of an experience that has yet to produce a pearl? I’d love to hear about it. Share in the comments.
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About Manda
I’m Manda Stack, Intuitive Coach and Energy Clearing Specialist. I’ve dedicated my life to helping people get calm, clear, and connected so that they can make empowered decisions to live with joy, confidence, and freedom. My signature services include intuitive coaching and personal energy clearing sessions, which are done virtually through Zoom sessions. Click here for more information.