I read this chapter in this really great book I have. I just thought I'd share it. It pulled me from a really dark place at one point earlier this year. Hope it helps someone else experiencing adversity. Also, not so long ago during this "Be the Change" Challenge, I had a couple of weeks that seemed like nothing was going right. By turning those things into positive and looking at them in another frame of mind, changed everything and got me through it. We need to do this! It's crucial to our mental & physical success!

Transform Adversity Into Energy

Picture this: For the first time in a long time, or perhaps the first time ever, all aspects of your life are coming together. You've successfully transformed your patterns of action and you're moving forward in the direction of your goals.
You're looking better each week. That stubborn fat is finally melting away. In it's place, muscle is forming. You're getting stronger, healthier. You're well on your way to a new and better life. You feel unstoppable until... the "unexpected" happens. Adversity strikes. Something goes wrong. You're blindsided by a bad hit.
These "hits" can come from any direction. It might be an injury that makes it difficult to exercise. it might be the loss of your job or a failed business venture, an illness, the end of a relationship or worst of all, a personal tragedy.
The fact is, adversity hits all of us and not just "once in a blue moon:. No one is exempt. When in trouble, in whatever form, strikes, it can bring your progress to a screeching halt. It can destroy your momentum, cripple your self confidence and send you into a tailspin--a situation where one thing after another, after another just doesn't go your way.
There's no training system, supplement or "miracle pill" that can make you immune to adversity. But does that mean there's nothing you can do about it?
Yes and no.
You can't always prevent ill fortune, especially due to forces and circumstances beyond your control. But what you can do is expect adversity as an inevitable part of life. In fact, you must expect trouble in order to properly deal with it. Remember, it's not a matter of if it comes your way; it's a matter of when and how severely it strikes your life.
We must all accept that ill fortune is an inevitable part of life and it is because of, not in spite of, misfortune that we grow. You see, our character will never be fully tested until things are not going our way. Those who have the curage to succeed in spite of adversity become an inspiration. They contribute value to the lives of others. They make a difference.
So, during the course of your 12-week Program, whenever you encounter adversity--whenever something comes up that you believe might prevent you from finishing your Program and successfully transforming your body and life-immediately ask yourself, "What can I do to turn this negative into a positive? How can I make this work for me rather than against me?"
When you approach obstacles this way, you will experience an immediate boost in energy and confidence (both of which you will need to complete your 12-week Program). And by practicing this skill--by learning how to transform obstacles into advantages-by attacking challenges head on--you will not only continue to move forward, you will gain the inner strength to deal with anything life brings your way.
When you look at adversity this way, you will realize misfortune is a bridge, not a barricade, to greater achievements. It can represent the opening of doors, not the closing of them. When adversity strikes, don't let it stop you. Promise yourself in advance you will transform that negative into a positive. That's not just the right way to handle it, it's the only way!
Bill Phillips- Body for Life Pg. 100-101

How true is all of that?! I love that chapter. When negative happens we have to use it as fuel for positive. Don't let it derail us! Keep on Keepin' On!

Carolynn

This is great thank you & I really needed this reminder *today* of all days!

Glad it helped you Leann! If you need an ear, let me know!

This is the story of my life. When I was a young boy I did not know how to change, but luckily mother nature did it for me. Then I reached a period of my life that I would fight anything that was negative. Now I am learning to not fight it. Just LET IT BE! and move on. Thanks for your post....Mark

So true thanks for sharing we all need a reminder. My daughter is marrying a great guy, but his mother has muliple schlerosis ??spelling. She's mid 40's and has to be in a rest home. Her husband of 20 years just divorced her and she can't take care of herself. She's a great woman, but she's having a hard time accepting that she is in the best care center in town. Her parents are older. I understand how hard being in a wheelchair is, I was in one for 5 months. But, I can't put myself in her shoes because I was in a temporary setback and hers is only going to get worse with the current medical technology. Can anyone help me help her learn to accept her life. She is a positive person, but feels she's the young kid on the block. Again I understand, because I spent 6 weeks in a rest home when I was 42. But, I knew I was going to go home too. kennie HELP???

I would be devastated to have to go into a rest home at my age (mid 40's). Especially if I knew it was permanent. I wish I could give you some great advice on this, I just don't know what to say here. Is there any support groups in your area or maybe online that you can find for families of MS? Maybe they could advise you better then someone who hasn't lived with it.
God Bless you on this and may he guide you to the information you need.

Mark, I hear you! I have always taken up fights that I probably shouldn't have because I felt an injustice was being served. That is something that is my biggest transformation goal. I need to turn adversity over to God and let him take care of it. I can't fight the battles anymore.