Strengthening the Soul

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved." ~ Helen Keller

I'd say this is a favorite theme of mine! I have always believed that some of our best learning comes through our times of adversity.

When we are comfortable and at ease, we are often not in a time of great growth.

My spiritual teacher, Dr. Charles Bruni, used to talk about how life was like climbing stairs. The challenges and times of difficulty are the vertical part of the staircase. The climb. The flat part of the stairs were times of contentment and comfort. Life involves both.

While it is possible to learn to remain at peace during times of stress and difficulty, it doesn't mean that we don't struggle or experience hardship. Tough times are just that... tough.

There is value in the tough times. That is where we are the most likely to grow and strengthen ourselves.

Honor both... the climbing periods and the resting periods. Know that during the climb, you are being grown and strengthened in a way that just isn't possible when you are resting!!