Adversity and Beyond

During certain periods of my life IÎve wished that things just flowed effortlessly, that there would be no obstacles-kind of a pollyannaish perspective. I knew it was and yet I still wanted to believe in it. And then as life would have it I got slammed a few times. I remember the first time I was rejected by a girl friend. I couldn't figure out how that could happen? I was 19, in college at Berkeley and thought love was forever. And I remember while I was a young lawyer, excited about what I was doing and full of self importance, my first marriage came crashing to an end! I felt crushed. As my mother pointed out it wasn't my heart that was broken- it was my ego. Upon reflection, this was probably the best thing that ever happened to me. With this new vulnerability, I was open to the possibilities and opportunities of the journey I have been on for over thirty years.

Sometimes adversity comes unexpectedly. The sudden loss of a family member, a debilitating illness or financial loss are never anticipated. The media also reminds us daily of the adversity prevalent in our society. So what do we do? How do we make sense of it? A few of my friends sent me a story that reminds me of the resilient strength and resourcefulness we all have and how each obstacle can become an opportunity for each of us to reach higher, closer to our life's vision.

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The donkey was old and sick and the well was unproductive. The animal cried for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally he decided to bury the donkey and called his neighbors over to help him. They all began to shovel dirt on the donkey. As they continued to shovel dirt on the donkey, to the surprise of many he began to quiet down. So they looked down into the well and were astonished by what they saw. As each shovel of dirt hit the donkey's back, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off!

With the dramas of every day life and all of the negativity in the world dirt will continue to get shoved on us. What we do with this energy is critical. Perhaps this is the time to look at what we can create in our life and in the world. We need to treat each shovel of dirt as a stepping stone to freedom. Shake it off , take a step higher and again immerse ourselves into the mystery of life. Think of the potential we have when we apply the lessons of the donkey's journey to our own. The donkey was determined to live and ultimately be free. What would happen if you applied the donkey's wisdom to a challenging area of your life? Go ahead and identify one area of your life and ask yourself what the donkey would do . Imagine walking to freedom in your own life. What could be the possibilities?

Let me know what possibilities you discover. I love receiving your many responses and feedback and if you have other stories to share please let me know about them. Feel free to pass on this letter to the friends in your circle and let them know about the advantages of being on the journey.

Journey On

mark@inspirepossibility.com
(415) 453-5016

Mark Susnow, formerly a trial attorney for 30 years is a coach, speaker, and group facilitator. He's inspired hundreds of people to believe in themselves and to achieve their goals and dreams. Contact Mark to discover how you can benefit from coaching and his ecourse. Be sure to visithis website. www.inspirepossibility.com - Here's what one of his clients had to say.

"After playing six years in the National Football League I was fortunate enough to make a great transition into the business world. All the traits that had helped me to reach my dream of playing in the NFL were now being used to enhance my business career. From the first meeting, you asked the questions that helped me figure out what was really happening in my life. We defined priorities and developed specific strategies to address the issues. You have recommended books that are truly inspirational and have helped me convert that inspiration into an action plan. You have helped me to reaffirm my personal beliefs and values which have brought me so far. The journey of life is easier traveled with a Map & Directions. Thanks forhelping me find my way."
- Natu Tuatagaloa