The Good Part About Adversity

Earlier today I ended up with a couple of hours that I knew I’d use up just waiting around, so I grabbed a book off of my shelf - “The Gift Of Acabar,” by Og Mandino. It’s short, so I was able to get through it completely. I didn’t think it was as good as “The Greatest Salesman In The World,” but still had some good ideas.

My favorite passages are from Tulo’s (the hero of the book) conversation with Acabar. Here’s one I especially enjoyed:

Adversity is not a curse, it is a blessing. The brightest stars in heaven are those who have been tested in the furnace of tribulation. Show me a human being who has never suffered adversity and I’ll show you the most unhappy person on earth!

Adversity, once overcome, can become a massive source of strength in our life. It can raise us to new levels of happiness. It will teach us valuable lessons, bolster our self esteem, and help activate our inner potential.

However, if we give up and run away from our problems, we gain nothing. We don’t grow, and usually the adversity just piles up anyway.

It’s a hard thing to remember, especially in the middle of the adversity, but it does help.