Adversity to Victory
"The difficulties and struggles of today are but the price we must pay for the accomplishments and victories of tomorrow."
- William J.H. Boetcker
"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me."
- Walt Disney
_______________________________________________________
The Marble Tiles
There was a museum laid with beautiful marble tiles, with a huge marble statue displayed in the middle of the lobby. Many people came from all over the world just to admire this beautiful marble statue.
One night, the marble tiles started talking to the marble statue.
Marble tile: "Marble statue, it's just not fair, it's just not fair! Why does everybody from all over the world come all the way here just to step on me while admiring you? Not fair!"
Marble statue: "My dear friend, marble tile. Do you still remember that we were actually from the same cave?"
Marble tile: "Yeah! That's why I feel it is even more unfair. We were born from the same cave and yet we receive different treatment now. Not fair!" he cried again.
Marble statue: "Then, do you still remember the day when the designer tried to work on you, but you resisted the tools?"
Marble tile: "Yes, of course I remember. I hate that guy! How could he use those tools on me, it hurt so badly."
Marble statue: "That's right! He couldn't work on you at all as you resisted being worked on."
Marble tile: "So?"
Marble statue: "When he decided to give up on you and start working on me instead, I knew at once that I would be something different after his efforts. I did not resist his tools, instead I bore all the painful tools he used on me."
Marble tile: "Mmmmmm..."
Marble statue: "My friend, there is a price to everything in life. Since you decided to give up half way, you can't blame anybody who steps on you now."
-Anonymous
_______________________________________________________
The following is a true story about a young friend (name changed) living in St. Louis...
Andy was born with a developmental disorder. The two sides of his brain were not joined normally with each other. The right side of his body could not communicate with the left. At age three, it was difficult for him to walk, speak, and play. He could only echo back a few words, and walk slowly while someone held each of his hands.
Then came the struggles. He attended an all-day center where he was enrolled in every imaginable therapy. He struggled, sometimes in tears, to get stronger. Andy hated it when his parents would leave him there in the mornings. However, they *believed* - against all odds - that he would grow up to live a normal healthy life. They believed it for themselves, and for Andy.
It paid off. Today Andy is a successful 13-year old high school student. His progress has been nothing short of phenomenal. He receives special help with a few things, but joins with his friends in all the activities he loves. Andy overcame enormous odds to move from adversity to victory.
Ask yourself: "What are the seeds of strength hidden in my struggles today? If I get back up when I fall, what will that make possible tomorrow?"
"Overnight success" is the result of years of tenacity and continued learning. Victory is possible for those who decide it's their most compelling option. They'll find the path to their dream. However, they will accept adversities as universities that will foster strength, growth, and skills to attract the victory they seek.
Wishing you strength, peace, and happiness!
Steve Brunkhorst, Life Success Coach
Editor, http://achieveezine.com
_______________________________________________________
Reprinted with permission from Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration. http://achieveezine.com Great stories, motivational nuggets and inspiring thoughts make achieve one of the fastest growing motivational mini-zines in the world. Get your own free subscription today. You can read Achieve! in 60 Seconds. Pick up some great free gifts when you subscribe: http://www.AchieveEzine.com
