All too often, I hear people say, “If only this hadn’t happened” or “If I hadn’t been dealt such a bad hand in life.” The truth is that everyone has tough times and in some way, we all have been dealt a bad hand at one time or another. Everyone has to work through crappy situations now and then, and it’s not those situations that define us. It’s how we choose to overcome those crappy situations.
As I sit here typing this, a video about George Washington is playing, and the narrator just mentioned that George’s father died at the age of 48 – when George was only 11 years old. That could have been a life-altering moment for him, and not in a good way. What was worse is that his brother, Lawrence, stepped in to raise George, and then he died when George was only 20. This dual blow could have destroyed young George Washington, but his determination led him to pursue excellence in every venture. He made missteps along the way, but he ultimately rose to become perhaps the most remarkable leader this nation has ever known.
I’ve had highs and lows in my life – probably a lot more highs than lows, but the lows definitely stand out. Each of these moments has changed the trajectory of my life, and I’m sure I’ve made more than my share of missteps. What I hope is that I’ve learned from my mistakes in a positive way and that I’ve ultimately ended up a better person from each experience. You’ll never catch me blaming a person or experience for me being less than I should be because I know I’ve had the opportunity to rise above the problems, even if I’ve not always been successful in that pursuit.
