They say that there are riches in every opportunity that comes our way. Actually, what is the definition of "opportunity"? The dictionary states that it is a set of circumstances that make it possible for you to do something, to attain a goal. Synonyms are "chance" and "possibility". These are quite common words, aren't they? You use them all the time, and you don't give them a second thought, as you do with almost everything in your life.
You are used to taking all that comes your way for granted, therefore very rarely do you take the time to reflect upon what you are doing, why you are doing it, what doing a certain thing means. So you talk about grasping an opportunity only when you have a good business deal in sight, when you make plans about getting a promotion or buying a new house or a new car cheaper than expected.
You tend to think of a "chance" as something that should be mainly referred to practical situations such as your job, career, making money etc. Wouldn't it be interesting to ponder about how such "chances" or circumstances in your life could be tools that help you not only to earn material gains, but also to learn and grow as a human being? Forget for one moment about the "opportunity" you might have in that banking operation and take into consideration something less prosaic: The way you see the situations you have to face every day. And examine how you react to them. Let's see. Dealing with a grumpy face rather than with a smiling one. Being overworked and feeling resentful. Having a nice conversation with a friend. Enjoying a delicious dinner. Yes, you love the latter but you loathe the former, don't you?
Nevertheless, dealing with unpleasant situations teaches you much more then having things go your way. Why? Because when things go your way, you stay the way you are, you don't feel the need to improve yourself.
What? Are you saying that you don't really believe that you need to change anything in yourself? Fine. Sure, you are "perfect" just the way you are.
So... keep on feeling, reacting and behaving towards the challenges of life the way you have always done.
But don't be surprised if you will keep on getting the same results: Anger, fighting, resentment, misunderstanding, impatience etc. When you must deal with what you don't like, you have the choice between reacting negatively or deciding to learn how to modify your outlook, your need to judge all the time. In the long run, such a change will bring more serenity and happiness in your daily deeds.
Someone said that your "enemies" are your best teachers. I can hear you say that you would very well choose to be without "enemies" and surround yourself only with happy faces. Who wouldn't? But, as this is not possible, interacting with difficult people and dealing with unpleasant situations with the right attitude can make a better, more flexible, stronger person out of you. And - once you see yourself changed for the better - you will appreciate and even be thankful for your "difficult times."
— Elsa Franco Al Ghaslan, a Saudi English instructor and published author (in Italy), is a long-time scholar of positive thinking.
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Blog: recreateyourlifetoday.blogspot.com
Creative Thinking: If you look, you’ll see
