Many years ago I remember going through a real tough time. Real tough!! I remember sitting down by the sea and just staring into space. Looking out at the large space between myself and the horizon. All the challenges going through my mind. I was finding it hard to think positive and pick my self up. Real hard!

I was feeling real sorry for myself. I just sat throwing stones into the water one by one. Big ,small, flat sharp,smooth. Then for some bizarre reason I began to ask myself, “Where did these stones come from? where had they been? What journey had they taken to be here, on this beach?” And why were some smooth and almost …polished?

It came to me. The smooth and the sharp stones had both started part of a big rock and had eventually broken away. (Like a child from its parent) The smoother stones were the ones that had been beaten and smacked against the bed and worn away by the water and strong currents. (Almost like our external circumstances we come across) Clashing with the other stones. The rocks away from the water, protected from adversity and challenges, had remained sharp and rough. It was only the stones that had been in the water, taking the hard times and the beatings (mental challenges for us) that would end up polished.

I just found it a reflection of life really.

Get out there and take the risks and the hits from the dream stealers who are ready to criticize you and tell you how you will fail! Every adversity holds a seed of opportunity. Even if the only lesson you receive is one that makes you stronger. You have gained the experience to deal with this situation better the next time. Maybe you now have the knowledge to help someone else through the same challenge.

Just remember. Its the hard times that will polish you.

Rob Snow

http://www.alacusht-inspirations.co.uk

Life coaching and personal development