It's not easy to stay optimistic in these challenging times with bad news constantly hitting the newswires. Some say there is always opportunity in any crisis, but it is hard to believe, isn't it? And worst of all, it hits you when you were just beginning to enjoy the fruit of the seed you sow for the past few years. You feel that life is so unfair to you. You ask, "Why now?" and "WHY ME!"
Let’s take a look at the great tennis icon Arthur Ashe. Arthur Ashe was the first black American tennis player to be selected in 1963 to represent the United States in the Davis Cup competition. He went on to greater heights in tennis by winning the US Open in 1969 and then Wimbledon in 1975. His career ended at 36 when he had a heart attack, and while in hospital contracted the HIV virus through a tainted transfusion during heart surgery.
You would have asked, "why me", but Arthur reacted differently. "In the world, almost 50 million children start playing tennis; 50 reach Wimbledon and 2 to the finals. When I was holding the Wimbledon trophy, I never asked 'Why me?" And today in pain, I should not be asking 'Why me?"
"I cried for a pair of new shoes, until I saw a man with no legs."
John Coutis was born with a severe disability that rendered his legs useless. John defied medical opinion by refusing to die. Today John speaks all around the world, to over 1,045,000 people throughout corporate and community Australia, and 870,000 people overseas. John said that his full time job is to block out negatives. "If I had listened to the destructive and hurtful language tossed my way through ignorance, lack of kindness or knowledge, I would not have achieved the things I have done or be where I am today."
 
Now, what was bothering you again?
The ball is in your court. You need to make your choice. You can either choose to blame everyone for your misfortune and stay down, or bravely stand up tall and move forward. |  
W. Mitchell
W. Mitchell once guided passengers up the famous hills of San Francisco, as a strong and entertaining cable-car gripman. At the height of his youth, he met with a fiery motorcycle accident that left him with 65% degree burns on his body and deformed his fingers. Undefeated by the blazing motorcycle accident, he took up flying lessons. But, a plane crash a few years later left him paralysed!
He learned to take responsibility for the countless changes in his life. Confined to life in a wheelchair, he firmly held on to his feisty nature. It was "his" uphill journey and he was determined to maintain control, cope with the changes, and prosper. Mitchell insisted that "It’s not what happens to you, it’s what you do about it."
"Before I was paralyzed there were 10,000 things I could do. Now there are 9,000. I can either dwell on the 1,000 I've lost or focus on the 9,000 I have left." - W Mitchell -
Mitchell proves, beyond a doubt, that setbacks can be transformed into exciting new starting points. Mitchell moved forward to be the founding chairman of a $65 million company, a two-term mayor and congressional nominee, a radio host and television personality, published author, Speakers Hall of Fame inductee who has spoken in over 30 countries, invited to the White House by five United States presidents, continues his love of piloting airplanes and outdoor activities, and currently serves as president of the International Federation For Professional Speakers.
When I met Mitchell in 2005 or early 2006 (cannot remember the specific year) in Kuala Lumpur, I asked him, "What is your biggest challenge in life now?" Mitchell surprisingly answered, "going to the bathroom, sometimes the hotel bathroom floor is very slippery." Don’t we all have the same challenge with the hotel’s slippery bathroom floor?
You have so much more than them, so be glad for what you have. As much as we wish that life can be smooth sailing, it is during the hard times and perseverance that your character will grow. Always remember that bad times are a subtle way by nature to make us stronger so as to face bigger challenges in the future!
"If you deliberately plan to be less than you are capable of becoming, then I warn you that you’ll be deeply unhappy for the rest of your life. You will be evading your own capacities, your own possibilities." - Abraham Maslow - |