Is Adversity An Advantage?

[Daryn Kagan]

Blind mountain climber Erik Weihenmayer has scaled the tallest peaks in the world, including Mt. Everest. He believes adversity is not only an advantage, he thinks it's necessary for our greatness to emerge.
He's an amazing story.
I was wondering what you think? Have hard times actually served you in your life?

[Erin]

I think every crisis in life is an opportunity to discover and "hone" your greatness. Definitely.

[Elizabeth Herzer]

Absolutely! At the moment we find ourselves in crisis it is hard to imagine there could be something wonderful that will result; however, when I reflect on some of the hardest times in my life or the greatest obstacles I have had to overcome, inevitably there has always been a wonderful change that has occurred. Additionally, I feel that I am a more compassionate person towards others and less judgmental because of some of my difficult life experiences.

[SUSO]

If you are interested with this story of Erik Weihenmayer then follow this link!

http://www.suso.co.uk/susology/features/a-different-kind-of-high

[Daryn Kagan]

Thanks for sharing this link. Looking forward to checking it out.
And welcome to our community!
So glad to have you along!

Daryn.

[Harry Tucker]

Great question, Daryn.

I think if most of us look back on our lives with real honesty, we will discover that our greatest growth (physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual) came when we were pushed (or stretched).

Each challenge in our life prepares us for greater opportunities.

When we look at what we are able to handle now, compared to years ago, think of how difficult it would be to handle our life today if we had gone straight from "easy life" to some current challenge we may be facing.

Take care,

Harry

[Karl Martin]

It is true that anyone who has a disability must face an uphill battle right from the word go. And those people with severe handicaps, who show major accomplishments are possible, are an inspiration to others. If we are to describe what a hero is; this is as close to the definition as you can get. Adversity is not only an obstacle, but it is also a challenge. And sometimes amazing stories can result from people who are challenged the most.

There are also people who face adversity each day that may go unrecognized for the challenges they face. Those are the families and loved ones of persons with disabilities. Anyone who has a family member with a disability understands how it affects everyone in the immediate family. It requires love, patience and sacrifice, to deal with this type of adversity. It can also be rewarding by making one’s resolve stronger and seeing what accomplishments are possible.