Having gone through anxiety and depression throughout many periods in my life and recognizing the reasons, I have learned to dig deep into my feelings, experiencing sadness and anger then by means of gratitude and living in the present, I have grown emotionally, learn how to deal with problems, remained alcohol free for 10 and a half years. Even though it took my 60 years of being alive, I feel proud of myself for my strength and resilience through the lows in my life. I am a survivor..
This question feels transactional to me: that these character strengths are wages to be earned. Life acts on me and forges character: it’s just that. The strongest trait for me is keeping getting up and moving every time something knocks me down.
These times shifted perspective, from being internally centered around my state to overcome my own limiting imprints, pain, fears and despair. It opened up to the needs of others, to feel and to be with and act accordingly to whatever presents itself. Not yet in any moment, but much more often already and good work in process. It opened the door to more simplicity, to gratitude, to humbleness, to joy and to a deeper sense of friendship and helped to find back to care for all from my heart. Rather as a side effect and of course meanwhile being aware of it as a natural consequence, this lessened my own pain also. Thank you dearly for this precious question, dear Gratefulness-team. 💜
It is interesting to reflect on hard times in a different way and look for the gifts, rather than the damage. I think most would agree we become stronger by enduring through hard times. Even seedlings grow stronger with the presence of wind. But another strength we usually gain is the ability to focus on what is more important. If in our hard times we went hungry, we learn the importance of feeding the hungry, even if it is someone we don’t know. If we experienced violence, we learn the importance of safety and intervening on behalf of those who can’t well defend themselves. Likewise if we lost our home, or lost a loved one, or injustice, or whatever the nature of our hardship. In short, hardships teach us compassion for others.
I have been surprised by my own endurance during difficult times. I have been able to keep going, doing more than I would have thought I could do for many months at a time. It is catching up with me now though, so I will stop for a bit, and take better care of myself. It is hard for me to care for a loved one and take good care of myself too. I need to learn to do both.
A lot of years now have been directed to dismantling this character. The hardest times usually equaled, the greatest times of resistance, (like trying to swim up waterfalls). I can’t recall there ever being a paycheck (meaning entitlement) during these times.
That I am able to continue and keep moving. That I am more resilient than I thought I was That in the hardest times, there are chance unexpected encounters to lift my spirits, whether it be the song of a robin at dawn, magnolia blossoms outside my window, or a chance surprising conversation with a stranger on the subway.
The present-day personality has , by way of many, many, misguided selfish habits, accepting non-supportive life conditioning, etc, etc, all of which only lead to hard times, confusion, anxiety etc , etc. But these life events were opportunitiesl which allowed the Spirit-Soul-Self to be “felt” as the ever present “True Self” alway THERE , never changing and powerful when the present-day personality chooses to align itself with the Spirit-Soul-Self within it.
It can’t say “I earned or learned the power of the Spirit-Soul Self” because there was no gained “earning or leaning” for what was THERE all along!
The ancient ones say it best “There is a rising up, and a falling away”.
Compassion, resilience, integration or reframing. How to take caca and work through it and make it into a bridge of growth, understanding, and compassion that serves others too.
I’m with those who chose verbs that come closer to expressing these changes. Learn. Evolve. Attain. Grow into. Develop.
As an adult who will turn 60 this year I’m far more patient, kind, and accepting of different perspectives, approaches, or outcomes than my 17-year-old self could have understood or wanted.
The desire to understand the other person’s perspective and the willingness to agree to disagree so that I can let go……both of these are from practice and hard work to learn
Give yourself the gift of free bi-monthly inspiration including uplifting articles, diverse stories, supportive practices, videos, and more, delivered with heart to your inbox.
Having gone through anxiety and depression throughout many periods in my life and recognizing the reasons, I have learned to dig deep into my feelings, experiencing sadness and anger then by means of gratitude and living in the present, I have grown emotionally, learn how to deal with problems, remained alcohol free for 10 and a half years. Even though it took my 60 years of being alive, I feel proud of myself for my strength and resilience through the lows in my life. I am a survivor..
This question feels transactional to me: that these character strengths are wages to be earned. Life acts on me and forges character: it’s just that. The strongest trait for me is keeping getting up and moving every time something knocks me down.
These times shifted perspective, from being internally centered around my state to overcome my own limiting imprints, pain, fears and despair. It opened up to the needs of others, to feel and to be with and act accordingly to whatever presents itself. Not yet in any moment, but much more often already and good work in process. It opened the door to more simplicity, to gratitude, to humbleness, to joy and to a deeper sense of friendship and helped to find back to care for all from my heart. Rather as a side effect and of course meanwhile being aware of it as a natural consequence, this lessened my own pain also. Thank you dearly for this precious question, dear Gratefulness-team. 💜
I don’t know if I have earned them. Maybe more like finding out they were there all along and only had to be valued and evolved and set to use.
It is interesting to reflect on hard times in a different way and look for the gifts, rather than the damage. I think most would agree we become stronger by enduring through hard times. Even seedlings grow stronger with the presence of wind. But another strength we usually gain is the ability to focus on what is more important. If in our hard times we went hungry, we learn the importance of feeding the hungry, even if it is someone we don’t know. If we experienced violence, we learn the importance of safety and intervening on behalf of those who can’t well defend themselves. Likewise if we lost our home, or lost a loved one, or injustice, or whatever the nature of our hardship. In short, hardships teach us compassion for others.
I have been surprised by my own endurance during difficult times. I have been able to keep going, doing more than I would have thought I could do for many months at a time. It is catching up with me now though, so I will stop for a bit, and take better care of myself. It is hard for me to care for a loved one and take good care of myself too. I need to learn to do both.
Yes, it is very hard, Mary. I admire your courage.
Sending you strength… ❤
Thank you Holly. 🙂
A lot of years now have been directed to dismantling this character. The hardest times usually equaled, the greatest times of resistance, (like trying to swim up waterfalls). I can’t recall there ever being a paycheck (meaning entitlement) during these times.
Resilience.
Acceptance.
Appreciation.
Gratefulness.
…just a few…🙏❤️
That I am able to continue and keep moving. That I am more resilient than I thought I was That in the hardest times, there are chance unexpected encounters to lift my spirits, whether it be the song of a robin at dawn, magnolia blossoms outside my window, or a chance surprising conversation with a stranger on the subway.
The hardest times in my life have given me wisdom, compassion, and resilience.
The present-day personality has , by way of many, many, misguided selfish habits, accepting non-supportive life conditioning, etc, etc, all of which only lead to hard times, confusion, anxiety etc , etc. But these life events were opportunitiesl which allowed the Spirit-Soul-Self to be “felt” as the ever present “True Self” alway THERE , never changing and powerful when the present-day personality chooses to align itself with the Spirit-Soul-Self within it.
It can’t say “I earned or learned the power of the Spirit-Soul Self” because there was no gained “earning or leaning” for what was THERE all along!
The ancient ones say it best “There is a rising up, and a falling away”.
Compassion, resilience, integration or reframing. How to take caca and work through it and make it into a bridge of growth, understanding, and compassion that serves others too.
I’m with those who chose verbs that come closer to expressing these changes. Learn. Evolve. Attain. Grow into. Develop.
As an adult who will turn 60 this year I’m far more patient, kind, and accepting of different perspectives, approaches, or outcomes than my 17-year-old self could have understood or wanted.
Yes, I’m 61 and get what you’ve shared. So true.
The desire to understand the other person’s perspective and the willingness to agree to disagree so that I can let go……both of these are from practice and hard work to learn
Like some of you, I prefer learned rather than earned and it’s definitely a work in progress. Compassion, resilience, and forgiveness come to mind.