So, you have problems? No problem! Just tell yourself, "There I grow again!" *

"Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow."  ~William Pollard

Storyline: So, you have problems - No problem! Just tell yourself, "There I grow again!" - Author Unknown

"Don't worry if you have problems!" is easy to say until you are in the midst of a really big one, I know. But the only people I am aware of who don't have troubles are gathered in little neighborhoods. Most communities have at least one. We call them cemeteries.

If you're breathing, you have difficulties. It's the way of life. And believe it or not, most of your problems may actually be good for you!

Let me explain.

Maybe you have seen the Great Barrier Reef, stretching some 1,800 miles from New Guinea to Australia. Tour guides regularly take visitors to view the reef. On one tour, the guide was asked an interesting question.

"I notice that the lagoon side of the reef looks pale and lifeless, while the ocean side is vibrant and colorful," a traveler observed. "Why is this?"

The guide gave an interesting answer: "The coral around the lagoon side is in still water, with no challenge for its survival. It dies early. The coral on the ocean side is constantly being tested by wind, waves, storms - surges of power. It has to fight for survival every day of its life. As it is challenged and tested it changes and adapts. It grows healthy. It grows strong. And it reproduces." Then he added this telling note: "That's the way it is with every living organism."

That's how it is with people. Challenged and tested, we come alive!

Like coral pounded by the sea, we grow. Physical demands can cause us to grow stronger. Mental and emotional stress can produce tough-mindedness and resiliency. Spiritual testing can produce strength of character and faithfulness.

So, you have problems - No problem! Just tell yourself, "There I grow again!"

• First published on October 30, 2008. 
• There are hundreds of untold stories in the backlog for future Friday Reflections. However republishing some popular reflections from past that are suited for current times. Also taking a pause from writing, while working on a new venture.

Comments

[sujat]

Wonderful lines by the guide. Really useful post. Thank you, Anand kaka. 🙏

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=q3UvXWCeguc&feature=youtu.be

I am glad you are taking a break. :)

[sujat]

The only death is stagnation. It is nothing but a mechanism to come out of stagnation.

[FR Team]

Comments in 2008 Post

This is very inspirational!

Posted by: Fred | October 30, 2008 at 08:59 PM

Cavite
Thank you for this issue. This is just the perspective I need at this time. God bless you 
Regards,
friend from Cavite
Posted by: Cavite | October 30, 2008 at 10:16 PM

Friend from Vietna,
Happy Friday, Happy weekend.

Thanks for the sharing; sometimes we failed in doing sth and we really the encouragement from smeone to motivate and refresh us.

My warmest regards.

Best Regards,
----------------------------------------------

Posted by: Friend from Vietna, | October 30, 2008 at 10:20 PM

Jana
I like this one a lot! It's another one I wish I could always remember when times are tough AND also when I lack the energy or courage to challenge myself! Thanks!

Posted by: Jana | October 31, 2008 at 10:31 AM

Anita
Very nice thoughts!
Your stories are very inspiring and they help me think very positively.

Anita
Posted by: Anita | October 31, 2008 at 01:13 PM

Friends from Oregon
Person 1.This is one of the best I’ve seen in the past year...

Person 2. Very good.

Posted by: Friends from Oregon | October 31, 2008 at 01:15 PM

[PT]

👌👌very inspiring

[High school Classmate]

we have to always think positive And it works nice one

[Cebuana]

It's true that the more challenges a person gets, the more he/she gets stronger...just like the reef by the ocean.

[MC]

So true! Thanks Anand.

[FE-Japan]

Yes, in this life we will have troubles. But take heart! God is in control.😇

[Devoted]

Fantastic! Loved it!

[Carol]

Think astaxanthin and hormesis. Stress that doesn't kill makes you stronger! But we could sure use some meditation in between! 😎
Thanks for the gentle & wise reminder, Anand!