MASTERING ADVERSITIES OF LIFE

How do you respond to failures, difficulties, hazards, ill-health and other challenges that come your way in the journey of living?

Do you bemoan them and apportion blames to all onlookers? Or do you boldly confront them with a warrior’s mallet and conviction, bringing them under control.

John Mason (2003) remarks that, “you can always measure a man by the amount of opposition it takes to discourage him.”

In his book, "Inspire the Sleeping Giant Within", Andres Lara narrated the edifying story of two frogs that fell into a cream bowl by accident. To make matters worse the two frogs sank into the bottom of the container of cream (butter). One of the frogs with a gloomy view of the sad situation decided to die quietly without much struggling. The second frog that was more optimistic acted out an idea, “I can’t get out but I won’t give in. I will just swim around till my strength is spent then I will die the more content.” Bravely this second frog began swimming energetically in the cream and disturbing everywhere. Soon the effort started yielding dividends and caused the cream to break up, allowing the frog to rise to the top of the container. Before long the frog reached the surface of the container and escaped alive.

This particular frog survived in the same environment which killed its workmate. By becoming the master of the adversity that came upon it, the frog survived. It pays to overthrow and overcome every challenge which makes sudden appearance to you.