I'm discovering that when hardship strikes, it's tempting to wallow in self-doubt, but it’s more rewarding to put in the effort to prevail.

Don't get me wrong, feelings are important but in the long run if your feelings keep you stagnant - then it's time to activate your will and fight for the outcomes you truly desire. Adversity is life's way of reforming you. It's a way of testing your character to reveal what you are truly made of. 

One thing I have come to discover is that we have a choice of how circumstances define us. You have a choice to whether something breaks you down or lift you up. It starts with a perspective shift. 

How do you see yourself? If you view yourself as a victim then you'll always be held bound by the pain that is inevitable in life. But if you view yourself as a overcomer, then you don't deny the pain when it comes but you have the ability to transform the pain into fuel to get you going into your next level. 

We are all resourced with the power to choose the direction that our life will take. I know some may struggle with this idea but it's true. Our greatest self will not emerge unless we take full ownership of our life and refuse to give our power to someone or something else. 

No one can taint your destiny without your conscious or unconscious consent. 

My point in saying all this is simple - when trouble comes your way see it as a blessing in disguise. See it as a test that you will pass. Don't allow yourself to be a prisoner of circumstances when you have to power to free yourself and transcend beyond your limits.