A challenge is like a fork in the road. You can stand up to it or you can let it defeat you. Quitting is the easy route. But that’s not a life well-lived. It’s better to be a warrior and face the hardship. Take it on by developing new skills. Look at the person or situation and decide what exactly it is about them (or it) that you don’t like. And then vow to be totally different.
It’s not easy.
Because change is hard. But so’s the discomfort and pain brought on by the challenge. You have to make that choice: Which one will I endure? Choose the path for growth.
Usually if it is a person who is tormenting you (and sometimes it can be someone who you love), it is because of their own personal flaws and weaknesses. Sometimes bad people are put into your path to make you develop strength and wisdom. And once you do, the pain they try to inflict melts like ice on a hot summer day.
Become a warrior. Develop yourself mentally, spiritually and physically.
That newfound strength will shield you against fear, hatred, greed and bitterness. Insults will bounce off you. Hatred melts with your smile. You walk away from the encounter stronger and more determined.
Live a purposeful life. Learn to love discipline. Train until it hurts. Use your talents to help others. And when you do face darkness, be the light that exposes it for what it is.
The world needs more of that in 2016.