Adversity creates our character and determines our destiny. Think for a moment of the most gratifying moments of your life. Graduating from school, getting married, having kids, being hired for your “dream” job, closing an important sale, resolving a difficult problem or overcoming a complex situation. It’s possible to have these experiences without crossing the turbulent river of adversity but those successes which we obtain in spite of adversity are the most valued moments of our lives.
Why then do we flee from adversity?
We prefer that which is comfortable and convenient. automatically look for that which is known and familiar. Nevertheless, adversity forces us to do something extraordinary. It forces us to think and use our minds to explore and examine alternatives which are outside our comfort zone. We see from our own experience that overcoming adversity produces more personal satisfaction.
Life is like a bouncing ball. Sometimes we are up, and sometimes we are down. Our ability to bounce back from adversity creates our character and determines our destiny. Frequently the cause of our down moments is the turbulent river of adversity. One of the most powerful ways to bounce back from adversity is to focus on the end result. 
Overcoming the challenge provides us with the exhilaration and pride associated with accomplishing an important task.
We live in a life where adversity confronts us like a tiger with bared teeth every day.
How will we react?
Will we turn and run or meet the challenge?
There are certainly moments when the best answer is to run as quickly as possible! Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to take a moment to reflect on the alternatives. One way of putting things in perspective is to apply, “The rocking chair test.”
How will we feel when we are old, sitting in our rocking chair and thinking about the decision that we took at a given point in time?
Will we be proud of our decision to turn and run or will it be more desirable to know that we faced the danger and fought with valor?
Adversity provides us with the opportunity to determine our destiny and to fly with the eagles rather than slither with the snakes.
In the end…It’s the Bounce that Counts!
∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 15