We’re defined by how we handle challenge

Most of the time I see this concept worded differently.

People are trying to “overcome” their challenges.

For me, that puts a negative spin on it.

It implies winning a fight — an act of exclusion.

It makes it seem as if challenge is something to avoid or put behind us.

This perspective holds us back from exploring and experiencing life in its fullest.

• While the word “overcome” carries a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, it also implies endings.

Life has chapters and episodes and events that end. But only in a sense.

Because if we’re learning from adversity then we’re growing.

Each “ending” becomes integrated into who we are.

• Challenges add wisdom and intelligence to our quivers, making us more capable when the next one is upon us.

So I prefer to talk of handling challenge.

This word allows for embracing something we might prefer to not deal with.

• It’s through embracing not resisting that we can integrate reality into ourselves.

We allow ourselves to become BECAUSE of what reality serves us.

Embracing is a way of going with the flow and arriving at an unchosen destination, but arriving with the challenge integrated instead of winning a fight against it.

Embracing implies belonging, even for challenges we might not choose to include.

How do you think about facing challenges?

—Julie