Overcoming the Sting of Adversity

There is a reason for the toiling of time. Before one can be “approved” to advance in life, their character must first be tested. In the process of refining, we find an uncomfortable tension being applied to our person. But I am here to tell you that you can find peace in the midst of the uprising of the storm. When you find yourself being tossed about upon the seas of life, consider these three important questions : 1) Do I project a recognizable sense of integrity in my everyday affairs? 2) Do I allow my circumstances to dictate the persona of my character? 3) Do I look ahead with confidence knowing that everything will be okay even when my vision is obscured?

Keeping it Real

You know what you do and how well you do it each day. There is no need for anyone to sit you down with a performance evaluation. So ask yourself, with 100% honesty… being truthful in answering. Do I project a recognizable sense of integrity in my everyday affairs? How excellent am I? On a scale of 1-15 would you be a 7 or a 12? Be for real, because you are the only one who will lay down with your conscience each night. Think about it. Do I make it a priority to come to work on time? When I get there, am I working efficiently to carry out my tasks? When conversing with my co-workers am I engaging in pointless meaningless conversation? Do I gossip, or moan and complain? Do I put my best foot forward in all that is brought to me, or do I look for ways to harp about the situation? People intently watch the way you handle yourself even in the seemingly insignificant things. My better half told me something insightful once, which I never forgot…”don’t give people any ammunition to use against you.” Granted individuals have a bad habit of sacking you when you’re up, and yes when you’re down. But we are also habitual offenders of allowing them to have reasons to aim and fire. Think about all that you do, and ways that you can do to do it better. Be true to you, and others will have no choice but to.

Lion or Mouse

Why is it every time something irritates us, we display it to the world? They say that what is inside will eventually display itself outwardly, and yes this much I do agree. But I also believe that there is a time and a place for everything; Even our attitudes. Sometimes we have to check ourselves. Facing adversity will bring out one of two things in each person, the lion, or the mouse. If you are a lion, you will take what the jungle presents to you, stick out your chest and commence to hunt for the sake of the challenge. However, if you are a mouse, you will seek out a hiding place to run to until “danger” passes. Know that if you grab a problem by the reigns and ride it out that not only will people recognize the soldier in you; but you will feel an inner satisfaction of contention and power deep within the fires of your soul. It is a satisfaction which is neither temporal nor conditional. It will linger because you sacrificed your pride in order to supplement your integrity.