“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”, we’ve all heard, and said it a million times. The quote originated in 1888 by philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, and is supposed to inspire an attitude of resilience. A resilience from what? For an unfortunate many this phrase can be associated with a family tragedy or illness, but for those of us blessed without the face of tragedy , the saying is used primarily to soothe a jilted friend or a child that unexpectedly ate a bug.
We are all survivors on some level, and can each explain in great detail which of life’s many adversities have lead us to use this old saying. For must of us, our responsibilities leave the option of “dying” out, so finding a solution to the problem is our only choice. With that realization in mind, it can help put in perspective the obstacle before us and gives us a chance to, as my very intelligent friend always says, “work the problem.”
Now, mind you, “working the problem” can consist of tears on the couch, a kickboxing class, or my favorite–retail therapy. Most problems need work and some will resolve themselves, but either way, leaning on friends or family can put things into perspective and just talking about it with someone can be quite comforting. With the help of our loved ones and,unfortunately, the occasional attorney, there is nothing we can’t overcome. We are survivors!
So as the days get shorter and the hustle and bustle of the holidays gets overwhelming, try to remember how far you have come, how many problems you have “worked” and all the minor, or major, obstacles that are no longer before you. So although life has its way of making us crazy at times it is after all our most precious gift and we must take the time to appreciate all it encompasses.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you, my dear friends.
xoxo
jen
P.S. Are you a survivor? Please share your story with us in the comments section below.