16. Beating the Odds

Whenever I have heard of an inspirational story, it has generally involved someone overcoming a challenge…beating the odds. This brings my own daily frustrations into perspective.

I have noticed that when I have been embroiled in a most difficult situation, which feels quite dire at the time, once resolved, it often feels like a worthwhile endeavour. Yet, when in the thick of it, I find myself praying for a more peaceful time! Knowing this, I wonder why I cannot remember that nothing lasts. All that matters is how I behave in the moment and the attitude with which I face the odds stacked against me. Unfortunately, at that time emotions are riding so high that they blank out the logical side!

Currently, everyone of us is swimming in the sea of uncertainty, not knowing how long the health crises in the world will last. And, this time, there is no doubt that each individual’s thinking and action impacts everyone else. So, against these odds, how can we still base our judgements and keep ourselves above the influence of the general fear and hysteria? How can we become the inspiration to others? History tells us that this time too will pass.

In my experience, the simplest way is to focus on how I may serve someone in greater need than myself. This allows one to step out of a self-absorbed state and engages a higher thinking which exists in all of us.