Funny how people pop into your head. An individual who has posed a challenge to me time and again popped into my head. This time I realized the great number of struggles the person has faced over many years--struggles that likely made her the challenging person she can sometimes be. Rather than be upset over the challenges I've faced with this individual, I thought about how I might be a support given all the challenges she's faced in life. The busyness of my life and place blinded me to this individual's challenges before, but now with more time to think, and truly see, her life challenges became clear to me.
When people challenge us, it's good to take some time to think about what that challenge is saying about us as well as the person posing the challenge. Typically every challenge holds some truth--it's important that we figure that truth out. A few years back I was greatly challenged for a message I conveyed. As I looked for the truth, I realized that I could have shared that message in a much more positive and effective way. My straightforward words hit like a knife--that wasn't good. When challenged, we also have to think about where the words are coming from--what is the person trying to say and why? Often when greatly challenged, the challenger himself or herself is facing a great challenge too. As so many wise ones recommend, find as much empathy as you can for others--step into their shoes and see the world from their experiences and outlook. That will help you to respond with compassion and care. Often responding to challenges works best if we make some time to step away and think about the situation with clarity--if we try to respond right away, we usually won't respond as well as we could.
People often show us their struggles more than tell us about them. This is often true because people don't even realize they're struggling since they are so focused on staying alive and doing their best that they don't even realize the mountain of struggle they are facing. When we see signs of struggle, we are best to respond with as much quiet, caring love as possible. Too many words at times like these can be problematic, but simple acts of kindness can be exactly the right thing to do.
We'll all struggle from time to time and we'll all encounter those who are struggling too. If we deal with these struggles with as much love and sensitivity as possible, we'll do well for ourselves and others. Onward.