Challenges

When I first saw this, I believed the first half. I didn't NOT believe the second part, I just had very little but high school to base it off of. Now, I can definitely say that YES - the first part is completely 100% correct. I'm sure there is truth to falling slowly in love, but that is not what has been my truth. For me, the best has been the never expected - stares-you-in-the-face-the-minute-you-round-the-corner type.

But I also now think that the second half is also very true. Challenges are what make us who we are - they require us to take a stand and forever after will define us. Those challenges can be relationship-based, but they don't have to be. They simply put to the test everything we think we believe - and in the end, show you what you truly do. Sometimes you make mistakes, and that's ok, as long as you learn from them. We are all still learning and will continue to do so our entire lives, so mistakes are to be expected and you won't learn anything without making a mistake or two along the way. The wisest people you know haven't necessarily made the most mistakes, but they have learned the most from the ones they have made.

But back to challenges. Some require strength and motivation and a good deal of trust - critical or chronic illnesses are a good example of this. They form who you are or they tear you apart if you can't find solid ground to stand on. Some challenges are relational and challenge what you already know. No matter the kind of challenge you are facing - the thing they all have in common is a way of changing you and making you a stronger person.

If you find someone who does not understand that you are who you are because of your past....be worried. Yes, you move on from your past, and no, you shouldn't dwell there. But it doesn't mean that the challenges you face today aren't in some way an effect of a different challenge last week or 20 years ago. Challenges define us and so, in that way, they will always stay with us.