Never if, but when.

Adversity was never designed to be an “if”, but only and always a “when” event.  

Regardless of the meticulous nature of one’s preparation, the sacrifice that has been offered up or the character of the individual putting forth the effort, adversity will appear.  Seemingly random in its appearance or somehow timed to parallel a crowning moment.  

Therein lay its purpose. 

Adversity exists to gauge one’s mettle across the entire personal spectrum; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  Never is it meant to designate one’s value, status or position.  

Question effort, intent or commitment.  

Or qualify that moment as an “it was never meant to be”, “I really didn’t deserve this anyways” or “I really didn’t want this” occurrence.  

Those types of reactions are purely of one’s own making. To save face. Restore ego.  Shrug off impact.  Diminish circumstances.  Such responses are created in such a way as to allow one-self to skirt the absolute truth of the matter.  To excuse. Deflect. Avoid. Ignore.  And prepare one not only an escape route from failure, but from ever trying to overcome that the next time it will happen.

Adversity merely seeks to draw one’s attention to a particular aspect of the present, in order to reveal what more is needed of oneself in the future.  Identify where there is capacity to learn.  To grow.  Develop.  And change for the better. 

So embrace this lesson for what it really is. 

Lean into what it is genuinely offering. 

 And allow it to teach you what will be needed of you in the days, weeks, months and years to come.  

Yes, it stings right now.  

Yet all that has been born out of it will have positive outcomes. The potential to effect lasting change.  To reach another level.  Achieve.  And ultimately, succeed.  

If only you can see it for what it really is; an opportunity. 

Adversity is merely a vision test.  

So you can understand where you were and see what you can ultimately become.