Life has a way of knocking us down at times, leaving us with two options when the knocks come, to get back up or stay down.
We can allow the circumstances to make us bitter instead of better. But what if the hard knocks were actually training? What if each time we got back up, we became that little bit stronger, wiser and able to see what we could learn from it?
I’ve learnt in life that our failures are the best teachers, don’t despise them, don’t try to avoid them but ask yourself what the knocks and falls teach you and how you can allow them to make you better and not bitter.
Often the blows we face keep us focused on the situation, and we have nothing left for others.
Recently, I spoke to my elderly mum, who has spent her life struggling with severe mental health issues. Sadly, the all-consuming state of mind and focus has robbed her and our family of a life that should have been much different.
Her 24/7 focus on herself has kept her as a prisoner. In our recent conversation, she remarked that when she was nursing her husband for five years before he lost his battle with cancer, she was the best she has ever been.
When I asked her why she thought that may have been, she responded, “Because I didn’t have time to think about myself. I was too busy looking after his needs”.
Could it be that the best version of ourselves is when we are doing something for others, even in the midst of our own battles and struggles?
With everything going on in the world, the health of our minds is something we each need to protect.
Why not try planting seeds of hope in the lives of strangers or those you know and see how it makes you feel?
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness”. – Desmond Tutu
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