To Thine Own Self Be True - Facing Adversity

At my virtual sister's bloghouse Creative Thursday, Marisa tagged me to do an experiement with the topic of “Secrets to Dealing with Adversity.  This excites me, because I can't wait to see what all of you will post.  This is how women unite and learn great living, sharing.

The first thought that came to my mind, and first thoughts are usually the most raw and true thoughts, was "To Thine Own Self Be True."  I remember all the things I wanted, namely in my late twenties, that seemed so out of my reach, a job that I really was passionate about even then, teaching. I was newly divorced (something I never dreamed I would be) with two young children, 1 and 2, and I wanted desperately to go back to school. Many times I was told by almost everyone I knew that it was impossible.  I was told that I was abandoning my life with my children; that I couldn't finish or wouldn't finish (yes, even my family told me that!); I had no support financially or emotionally by anyone.  My situation felt hopeless. 

Then, a very small voice, one that had been stifled often and had not been heard in a while, said, "what is your truth?  What is the one thread that vibrates and runs true with you?"  And though the answer seemed so small at the time, it's vibration began to pulse through me from heart to limbs, and the action began to occur.  When money seemed overwhelming and tight; when  I was afraid I was quitting a job that I was good at and got paid well because it didn't fit my hours; when time was desperate; when my energy was spent and I was on my hands and knees sobbing on the floor; my thread kept me focused and true.  To this day, I am in awe of all that I accomplished with that small amount of time and money, and I know that what I did was not only right for me, but for my children as well.

Two other very important things to remember about adversity that Marisa and I agree on are choice and gratitude.  I am grateful for this adversity and pain for it was the best teacher.  I learned that being alone wasn't all that bad because I got to know me, the true me, without all the fake cheerful faces. Adversity taught me what I stood for (no one but you to talk to).  These days too many people are afraid of being alone and get the next person who comes along...believe me, I did.  And when I sat still long enough, I learned about me ,and I became the person I wanted to marry, and the right person did come along.  I didn't settle. In adversity came some of my best poetry and my daughter's most passionate art.  In adversity came my biggest truths.  If pain had not been my teacher, I might not have noticed the truth.

I always had a choice to wallow in my fear, pain, aloneness, or be in the present in the now, truly living...breathing.  I could choose to feel angry, sad and sorry for myself (passive) or do something (active).  I could choose to die an insignificant, lowly death or live VIBRANTLY!

Think about it.  Wasn't adversity that got you what you wanted?  No athlete, actor, author, musician,  mom, dad, poet, got the prize they wanted without it.  Sacrifices and pain brought them there.  If you get a chance to read autobiographies, and there are some good ones, like Measure of a Man by Sydney Poitier. You will read their arduous journies and know that it wasn't just handed to them.  Many of them worked hard to get their talent.  Those you think have the charmed life, choose to live positively...don't think for a minute that they don't have adversity.  What will you choose?

Wow, guess I should start podcasting on posts that I'm passionate about!  Because it's a lot to read.  What I want you to walk away with is the question:  What is that thread of truth that vibrates within you? Be true to it with every breath and every heartbeat...for it is the guide to your soul.

Consider yourself tagged if you feel passionate about this.  Please use your voice because we women deserve mentors like you. So many of you have moved me with your words. For now, I shall pick on a couple of people who I know have come through adversity with a positive attitude...my soul sister Helene  and my ever lovely Jane.  Let me know if you do...I want to read!  Have a blessed weekend

Comments

[Hélène]

What is that thread of truth that vibrates within you?

I don't know today. not that I feel passionless I feel tired :oP
let me think...that thread of truth is surely made of passion and never ever betraying myself not abandonning myself anymore
not saying yes when I think no even it might hurt another...sometimes it's terrible(see my previous email)
I also honour respect, I think that is why I am sometimes brutally frank, it's so awful to hurt others this way but to me it is to show I respect them not motherizing them not hiding not lying not faking
I just get angry and frustrated when I feel I am faking it or forcing myself to do something to please another one...
not that I can't help and be good for free, on the contrary, but real things has to be wanted to be given !
it has to be felt to be real to be given!

that was a beautiful passionate post inspiring! ^_^
you are full of positive energies!
I wish I could be away from adversity but I feel maybe I have lived the worse because I have health now, so what's to ask when we have the essential of health life love? ^_^
You will surely take part to my dialog day in July ;) eheh I will be the host there ^_^
I still am not sure what I will talk about surely lots of nonsense, hopefully people will share their thoughts and view points:)

sometimes to come back to being true and frank I know and feel a lie would be sweeter to spare their soul but would I want to be lied to?not at all. I do handle rejection even if it's sad...ok I digress I am quite sure, but I will talk that subject at my blog, maybe later, right now I have letters to reply:)

Many blessings***

[Hélène]

What is that thread of truth that vibrates within you?

I don't know today. not that I feel passionless I feel tired :oP
let me think...that thread of truth is surely made of passion and never ever betraying myself not abandonning myself anymore
not saying yes when I think no even it might hurt another...sometimes it's terrible(see my previous email)
I also honour respect, I think that is why I am sometimes brutally frank, it's so awful to hurt others this way but to me it is to show I respect them not motherizing them not hiding not lying not faking
I just get angry and frustrated when I feel I am faking it or forcing myself to do something to please another one...
not that I can't help and be good for free, on the contrary, but real things has to be wanted to be given !
it has to be felt to be real to be given!

that was a beautiful passionate post inspiring! ^_^
you are full of positive energies!
I wish I could be away from adversity but I feel maybe I have lived the worse because I have health now, so what's to ask when we have the essential of health life love? ^_^
You will surely take part to my dialog day in July ;) eheh I will be the host there ^_^
I still am not sure what I will talk about surely lots of nonsense, hopefully people will share their thoughts and view points:)

sometimes to come back to being true and frank I know and feel a lie would be sweeter to spare their soul but would I want to be lied to?not at all. I do handle rejection even if it's sad...ok I digress I am quite sure, but I will talk that subject at my blog, maybe later, right now I have letters to reply:)

Many blessings***

[Stephen Hopson]

Hi Helene:

I wanted to take a moment to THANK YOU for participating in my Adversity University tagging experiment.

Your words of wisdom was so incredibly powerful. Wow. It really uplifted me to read it today.

I am excited to see my tagging experiment grow and I certainly hope your readers with or without blogs will want to participate in this interactive experiment because all of us can make a difference one person at a time. Or perhaps one blog at a time.

Thank you Helene for writing from the heart.

Sincerely,
Stephen Hopson
www.sjhopson.com

[helenina]

http://helene-deroubaix.blogspot.com/2007/06/my-answers-to-adversity.html
here it is Marie:)

and well thank you Stephen but I did not say much I feel, now you can have a look at the real post;)

blessings, nice weekend to you Marie***

[jen]

wow! what a great topic for sharing...
I am glad to read your post...definately feel the passion you have for the topic:-)
and helene I have read and appreciate that post...

I want to do the same, it will give me strength to remember what adversity I have been through and maybe be helpful alittle to someone who needs also some support and encouragement in tackling adversity...

but I have been on computer way too long, and recently lost some work on it....probably not a good time to do this! but it will be a great challenge for me for tomorrow??

thanks!

[JourneyThroughLife]

Wow, what a post! I am going to have read a few more times to really take it in and I will certainly take on the tag. I think this is the best post ever I have read of yours. It is just amazing and very inspirational.
Thank you,
Annie
xxx

[mich]

Marie,

Thank you so much for your words ... I had a tough day today, and your kind, kind words lifted my day. You are an earth angel!

The inner-child cards are the creation of an amazing and spiritual woman -- Isha Lerner. She also created the Triple Goddess Tarot which I absolutely adore.

mich
x.

[Sacred Suzie]

You are such a wise and intensely passionate and inspirational person! I loved reading your story and admired that even though people weren't supportive, you went ahead and accomplished so much and helping so many people.

I looked up the word owling and I have never smuggled sheep, LOL. I guess that isn't what you meant? I have had an owl fly over my head and hang out with me for a long time. One of the best moments of my life.

[Marisa and Creative Thursday]

A beautiful, thoughtful post Marie. Thanks so much for participating and sharing a part of your story. It feels amazing to make it on the "other side" doesn't it, to find that thread of truth as you say? I'm so happy you have found what makes you happy.

[Jeques]

Hi!

"The most beuatiful flowers are those that bloom in advesirty"

Adversities serve to polish us so our brilliance will emerge.

I have 2 posts to share on this topic. Please click links below:

http://jeques.wordpress.com/2007/12/21/on-overcoming-fears/

and

http://jeques.wordpress.com/2007/12/30/lifes-lessons/

Great, inspiring and empowering article!

I wish you well.

~ Jeques

[Jeques]

Thanks for your visit to my web nook Marie, and for that wonderful comment you left for my poem "On Overcoming Fears." Oftentimes, we understand things better when we write them. The poem still serve to remind me of a lot of things I fear and have somehow overcome. I am grateful to my gift of writing.

I wish you well.

~ Jeques