Obstacles are not generally viewed
as allies or opportunities. Some obstacles threaten life or wellbeing. For example,
an obstacle in the road is a real danger that could cause damage or even death.
In life, we face abstract and
physical obstacles from birth, and enter into situations over which we have no control. There
are many hindrances that arise along our way, seemingly to prevent us from
accomplishing our goals or being happy.
But are the obstacles the real
problem? There is no doubt that a
hurricane which comes through and wipes out communities, causing loss of life,
property and hope, is an undesirable blockage to peace, happiness and
prosperity. But I know people
who have come through those destructions better off than they were
before. Did everyone fare
advantageously? No, of course not. But some did.
I have known people who were born
with tremendous physical advantages – superior athleticism, the privileges that
physical beauty affords, and many professional opportunities. I can also report
that many of those people, if not most, have self-destructed -- ruining their
health, losing their beauty, and throwing away the amazing opportunities placed
before them.
In fitness training, peak
performance is not achieved through comfort and ease. Resistance training builds strength. Pushing against weights, over and over again,
builds strength.
People I have known who have been
handed money, security and prosperity have also been lacking in wisdom, street
smarts, and survival skills. I have
often wondered how those people who have been spared so much resistance and
conflict would fare on a level playing field.
Women I have known who have relied upon others for their care and
security are potentially in for a rude shock if all of their providers
one day disappear. The lack of obstacles
in their lives would not, it seems, serve them well in the event that they are
someday forced to rely upon themselves.
While I have observed tremendously
talented people who implode and come to dead ends, I also see people who seem
to have little to start with, and yet build themselves up – exercising
opportunities many would not even see as possibilities. Nick Vujicic was born without arms and legs,
and yet, travels the world, lecturing to bring inspiration and hope. He also recently married and has a
child. His website, http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/,
is a testament to his mission to move forward, despite obstacles most of us
cannot fathom.
In my life, obstacles presented to
me have been opportunities to sharpen my skills, or receive new gifts of
knowledge and strength. Let me be very
clear: I am not a martyr and do not seek
out problems in order to expand awareness.
I enjoy peace.
Without the obstacles of a negative
workplace, I would not have left, and gone through the traumatic employment
uncertainties that brought me to the best job I have ever had. Without the obstacles of home repairs needed
I would not have been led to an ambitious young man who is willing to help me for
reasonable costs. Had I not been born
into an abusive, abandoning family with mental illness all around me, I would
not have been driven to seek education, counseling and understanding of these
issues. And I do so enjoy the deeper
understanding that comes with experience.
I am forced to conclude that obstacles, even the seemingly
undesirable ones, are opportunites. It will take determination, effort and work
to find the opportunity, and to follow through.
But the obstacles bring opportunity for something new.
