The 100 Day Challenge, Day 37:

I had a mentor in the past that used to tell me that whenever you have to go through something really hard, you build character.  I took this to mean that you would become more experienced and wise.  I have learned to look at challenge gratefully most of the time, but sometimes it is hard.  Sometimes I just want to give into the challenge and let off the pressure.  It would feel good.  I could just forget about it and move on.

That would last about a day.  Then I would be right back at it again.  I have learned to give myself some planned breaks on the way to building character.  I have learned that if you don’t plan the breaks, the breaks plan themselves for me and they usually aren’t as much fun as the break I would have planned!

One thought that has always sustained me whenever I have to go through a difficult time (no, it’s not- this too shall pass- which can be a good one!) is the idea that the reason I am going through this experience is so that I will be able to help someone else in the future who is facing what I faced and conquered.  Likewise, when you are facing a big challenge, guaranteed there are others out there who have been through what you are going through.  All you have to do is be open to them showing up and be looking for them.  We are all here to help each other.

Who do you need help from today?

  Who can you be the force of hope and possibility for today? 

What have been the most character building times in your life?  How have those times blessed you in ways you never considered?  Have you ever considered it?  You can start now!