Challenge Accepted
There are two kinds of challenges. The first kind of challenges are the ones that find us. The moments and things that come into our life without warning and we have no choice but to face it head on and get through it the best we can. They can be stressful, emotional and can break us down before we even know what is happening. Some examples that come to mind, your kids not listening, running late for an appointment, snow storms and at an even deeper level-losing a job, unfortunate health, loss of a dear friend or family member. The things life will throw at us and we can't avoid but are forced to really see what we are made of. "God doesn't give you more then you can handle" was a phrase my Grandma used to say. Sometimes, our mental and emotional strength really get truly tested. Do we want them tested in this way? Probably not but the only way to make it through with minimal wear and tear is to take a step back, breathe, and tackle the challenge with a clear mind. The plus side to these uninvited challenges is you may really find out who and what in your life is really top priority. What is, now, at this point, important to you. These challenges may ask us to reflect and rethink what we need to focus our attention on.
The second kind of challenge are the ones that made me want to write this post. The ones we seek to find. The challenges that we crave and need to push us to our limits and beyond. To get us outside our comfort zone. The challenges that we get excited for and work so hard for. Putting so much time and energy into your work for the promotion you have been hoping for. Your first 5k which turns into your first 1/2 marathon which pushes you to your first full marathon. The perfect example of feeling scared of something new, gaining confidence and challenging yourself again and really finding out how strong we are as humans when we create a healthy challenge and have every reason to be proud of the success that grows from it all. From a yogi's perspective, tree pose, with your foot on your ankle, close to the floor. After time and patients, you bring your foot to your shin, then with growing confidence, your foot is above your knee.
So my question is, why do so many of us shy away from new challenges? Why are so many people afraid to fail? Failure is apart of growth, it is what helps us grow. Failing does not mean we can't keep trying. These accepted challenges are always scary and exciting and powerful is such a great way.
It's too easy-
It's too easy to say "They won't promote me anyways." It's too easy to say "I'm not a runner." It's too easy to say "I'm not flexible." We can't fail if we don't try. So some people won't try.
I now challenge you dear reader to find a new scary, amazing challenge, and enjoy the journey it will take you on. If it takes 10 minutes or 10 years, it doesn't matter.
These embraced challenges will only help us to be able to be more focused and confident to handle the challenges that choose us weather we want them to or not. But we will be ready to really hold our ground and be ready whenever and wherever they appear in our life.
