This is one of my most favorite quotes:

“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging” Joseph Campbell

I always shared this quote with my “Transitions” students, these wonderful people were finding it most difficult to transition back to work due to their disabilities. When they arrived the first day you could always see the despair, so much loss, confusion and even anger. Life as they knew it had either suddenly or over time changed and the self they once knew no longer stood before them in the mirror.

Over the course of the days we would spend together in the workshop I would see the personality of each individual change, the thick skin that had encased them, slowly began to soften and shed. Emerging was incredible people with feelings that are valid but often misunderstood. There were thoughts and ideas that had been previously shelved slowly bubbling to the surface. Smiles could be seen more frequently and even laughter, especially when they could laugh at their own transformation. Recognition of skills and talents became easier as the hours and days past.

Time after time I saw people who worked hard to awakened themselves from what seemed like a nightmare of circumstances beyond their control. Regaining control over their life and taking time to dream about the possibilities became a priority. This is when the quote seemed even more appropriate…as I write this a shiver roles down my body.

Opportunity to truly know self and the powers we possess may not come in the form we would have likely chose, but it is the power in all its glory. It is by no accident, in my estimation, that we find ourselves throughout life being asked to look deeper. There is so much to know about life and your unique self; if you have the fortune to know them intimately you are truly a lucky person.

Challenge makes people rise up to meet their greater self! Your skills are infinite, your health is important, your friends and support network are brought closer. In essence, through challenge you are more alive than you may have ever been!

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