What is Your Challenge?

There’s something bothering you.  I can tell.  You want to know how?  Because you’re still reading.  You saw my question and you continued on.

Believe it or not, I do know your challenge.  It’s like mine – grabbing your attention at the most inopportune times, taking you away from things you need to get done, and often times changing your mood from good to so-so or even, not-so.

Some challenges are difficult to face, others only are because we allow them to be.  There is an image to uphold in these situations.  It’s all up to you.  What do you want people to see in you through this challenge?  Do you want them to learn what to do or what not to do?

Is your challenge physical? Mental? Emotional? Situational?

Can you change the outcome by simply making a few distinct moves in a different direction?

We can’t always change the challenges we’re facing but we can change our outlook on them.  In our difficult times, we can choose to be a blessing.  That’s not to say that we shouldn’t have moments of sorrow or madness, however, moments of clarity should quickly take over.  Dwelling on something you can’t change or something you can change but aren’t willing to is one of the hardest parts of dealing with a challenge.

I have wonderful friends going through horrible things.  I don’t think anyone will ever understand that concept – bad things happening to good people.  But you know something?  Each friend is choosing the outlook that everything’s going to be ok.  

Life may have thrown a curve ball, but they’re going to hit it right to the outfielder.  In fact, they may even hit a home run.  Why not?!?  You’re given this situation, why not show the world what you can do with this pitch? I mean in all honesty, what most of us deal with day in and day out that we think is “difficult” is far from it.

Traffic? Come on!

Ignorant, careless people? Who needs them!

What about the real problems we face?  In times like that, don’t those “difficult” times we’ve faced before seem so distant?  We need to learn to be strong in the times where we can make a change so that when the REAL challenges come, we are prepared; so we don’t break.

I write to inspire but only because I feel inspired.  I am in awe of those of you who are facing difficult times and are choosing to stay positive.  One day, I hope to write a book to help people see that it doesn’t matter what the challenge as long as you have the right outlook.

Life will continue to throw things your way.  Will you hit a home run?  Will you send it off into left field?  Will you catch it and throw it back?  Or will you sit there and let them keep coming while they continue to pile up.

Doing nothing will lead you nowhere.  It’s time that you face this thing head on.  No matter how big or how small your challenge is, it is yours to take on.  Today is one step closer to meeting it with less fear.  Take a hold of yourself and don’t let go.  Even on those days where you feel like a puppet, make sure that you are your own puppet master.  Guide the strings, take the steps, measure the progress and face the facts.

You will not be without challenges.

You will not be without struggle.

You will not be without bad days.

But you can be strong.

You can trust that this too shall pass.

You can be a blessing, even in your difficult times.

You will come out a better person and others will see that.  You will inspire them, just as you are inspiring me.

#maketodayyourday