When written in Chinese the word “crisis” is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity.

We all know life is not always a smooth ride on the water. With work pressures, family responsibilities and the the ever changing ebb and flow of existence we can at times feel we are in the midst of chaos and crisis. But life simply is what it is and in tough times we are given a unique opportunity to get creative, get in touch and overcome our adversities with poise, wisdom, and grace.

Once in college I was assigned a project I could not get my head around. Despite some very good efforts and thinking my professor would look over my weekly progress then turn to me and say, “sorry this is not quite right, you are capable of better work than this.” I would return to the problem and develop solution only to hear the same comments the next week. So finally one day sitting in my workspace, frazzled and out of ideas I noticed the huge mess of books and resources that had been created on my desk from my research and efforts on the project. Then right in the midst of the mess I found a solution! Quickly I went to work compiled my thoughts into a rough draft and headed off to class to share my ideas. The teacher took one look and looked up and said now you are onto something!

Life can be the same way. What at first may appear as a obstacle or problem often carries with it a real opportunity for progress, to learn and grow in a way we might not have been able to do in any other way. So when our computer crashes at work maybe we can seize the down time to get out for a walk and freshen our minds. When we get into an argument with a friend or loved one maybe we take the high road and learn to listen a little better to what the other person is saying. The point is simple – within adversity lies the potential for greatness, with out problems we may have no answers!

So try to learn to see and appreciate the difficult times for the chance they bring into life. When we can do this we begin to smooth out the hills and valleys that can throw us off the path at times, we can begin to utilize the wisdom and compassion we all possess. You never know what wonderful experience can be gained from facing and working with adversity head on. In the case of my tough college assignment, I completed the project with gusto and enthusiasm, it became some of my best work and actually won me a full scholarship and a wonderful position for one of the largest software companies in the world!

So when the sailing seems rough just remember this – Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.

Peace and Love, Jim