R for Rise Above

#AtoZchallenge
Life is not a bed of roses; even a month-old baby can attest to that. Everyone faces challenges of some sort-it is a constant. But people address these challenges differently. Whiles some use it as a prepping ground to toughen themselves and earn themselves a respectable spot in the world; others use it as an excuse not to achieve anything. It all boils down to perspective and decisions.
Obstacles and setbacks are no respecter of persons; everyone faces them whether rich or poor. But in order not to allow the obstacles hinder you from reaching your destination, one must make conscious efforts to ‘rise above’ the ‘troubled waters’ so you don’t drown.

We may have the perfect plan outlined for our lives but even the most flawless plan faces ‘technical hitches’ along the way. Things would not always go the way you planned; you may not be offered the course we wanted to study at the university, the job application might be rejected, that dream life-partner could flash you the red card and you would be tempted to think you’re not good enough. Wallowing in self-pity doesn’t change the situation in any way, you only waste precious time which could have been used to brush the dust off and refocus on the goal and finding another route to get there.

Unexpected events like the loss of a breadwinner or loved one happen and they can change the course of our lives forever. Scary medical diagnosis are pronounced and you feel like your life is coming to an end. Don’t surrender yourself to be put down by the bricks that life throws at you. Instead, pick up the bricks and build yourself a staircase.

See them as stepping stones and not destructive weapons. Rise above the mocking criticisms of others; don’t give them the pleasure of watching you crumble. The harder the opposition, the more resilient you should be in your resistance. No matter how many tears that fall on your face, don’t let them blind your eyes or blur your vision of where you’re headed. The tears will stop, the wounds will heal; you have a destination to arrive at and a goal to accomplish. Time and tide wait for no man.

(c) Google Images

When self-destructive thoughts begin to flood your mind, tell yourself you’re better than what your circumstances make you out to be. You are not a failure but a working progress. Although things seem chaotic at the moment, you choose to believe that the situation is turning around in your favor. God’s got you. You choose to rise above anxiety, depression and everything else in between. This test will become your testimony. The worst thing you can face will bring out the best in you. You will overcome this!

When life threatens to drown you, will you choose to rise above and shine or surrender and drown?

©Josephine Amoako 2016