This week, as I was pondering some ways to transform my daily “to do” list into one containing fun and adventure, ala my last blog post, I had an ephipany!
Many things in life have come fairly easily to me – good grades in school, learning to play the piano, learning to cook, gaining weight . . . but I digress. Yes, many things took little effort, while other things took more effort, like passing the CPA exam. I know, you’re totally shocked that I didn’t pass that baby in one try, aren’t you?
But for the past several years, nearly 6 to be exact, life has not even been close to easy. That’s really an understatement as I have experienced some major life stressors. And I have found myself, at times, nearly paralyzed emotionally as a result.
During a recent conversation with my new accountability partner, Susan Davis, the question came up “what would your goal be like if it were ideal . . .?” What popped out was my belief that once I achieved my goal my life would be EASIER. I probably mentioned (whined) that I was pretty tired of struggling and just wanted my life to be back on an even keel.
As I was reflecting on that conversation, God reminded me of a commitment that I had made to him more than six years ago. That’s right, the beginning of what I’ve come to refer to as the “difficult years” coincide with my commitment. You see, I had committed to God that I wanted to be everything He wanted me to be. No matter the cost. Now, I had a definite view in my mind of how I would get there and the beautiful, peaceful, perfect life I would have. God’s plan seems to be different. And quite frankly, I have expended a lot of energy being angry, and chafing against this plan.
Here’s the epiphany, “Adversity is the diamond dust with which heaven polishes its jewels.” The author of this quote is unknown. Obviously, I’m a diamond in the rough and need some polishing. I’ve always been a person who despises mediocrity. Easy equals mediocrity. You can call it taking the path of least resistance or something else, but all of those paths ultimately lead to one destination – mediocrity. Frank Clark said, “If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.”
Speaking of leading somewhere, here’s where I’m going with all of this. Yes, I’m finally landing. Since I want to be everything I’m meant to be, then I must embrace the adversity, see it as God caring enough about me to smooth and polish out my rough spots so that I can shine. And that thought of shining . . . being all that I was put here to be . . . really fuels my passion.
How about you? Are you experiencing some obstacles? Are you tired and feeling defeated or have you learned this secret? I would love for you to share with me your thoughts and experiences so that we can all learn and be inspired.
I want to end this with one more quote; this time from Washington Irving, The Sketch Book, 1820: There is in every true woman’s heart a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity; but which kindles us, and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.
Deborah (Debbie) Stevens is an MBA, CPA, Money Maven who offers down to earth accounting, tax and consulting services, is a health and fitness coach, and jewelry designer and re-engineerer. With more than 10 years in public accounting and 6 years in private industry, her boundless energy and talents are now focused on making small businesses successful by analyzing the problems, discussing the issues, and crafting the appropriate solutions. Her strong, personal integrity, hard work, sheer determination coupled with a deep fun-loving view of life are what makes her tick. After having lost 116 lbs in 15 months, she has recently added weight loss and fitness coaching into the business mix. She is passionate about everything she does with a deep desire to help people. She is personable, down to earth, and ready to roll up her sleeves and get started on your business solutions. 
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Debbie,
I love that last quote. It resonates with me so much.
I never thought of adversity as polishing and smoothing out the rough edges, but that works for me. You will overcome your challenges, see them as learning experiences and grow from them. You have the will to create your desired reality.
Val
Hi Val,
You know I never had really thought about the polishing effect either, but once I embraced that the adversity seemed more friendly, if that makes sense. Thanks for sharing.
Adversity breeds progress. I don’t believe it ever comes at a convenient time in any of our lives, but when it does embracing it and stretching ourselves in more than necessary.
When I was still getting my business off the ground I can recall my girlfriend asking how can we afford this or that if it meant we had to go a little into debt for something I knew we would need. My reply always was, “babe money doesn’t matter, it never will, money rains from the sky. It just comes to me.”
By internalizing that and truly believing it, it just starts happening.
Good luck and thanks for sharing!
Joe
Hi Joe,
I really like the statement that “adversity breeds progress”. It’s never convenient mostly because we don’t want to ever have it in our lives.
Thanks for sharing your insightful comments.
Debbie,
Washington Irving’s quote is right on. You are a shining example of plowing through adversity, readjusting your compass and making things happen. You inspire me to move the line forward and never lose sight of the goal! Love you:)
Darlene, You are so amazing. Where do you think I learned to plow through the adversity from? Thanks for being such a great friend.
Beautiful Post Debbie
I am going through those exact questions and thoughts in my head over this past week about where I have been and where I am going. I started off strong a few months ago but I let stress and life take over and really struggled instead of embracing life and enjoying each day and going my best and not giving up which I tend to do a lot. I am going through the questions of “Who is Julie”. I will be writing a blog on that one some time tonight. Thank you so much for another amazing post. Love ya
Hi Julie,
I can’t wait to read your post. Don’t give up. You are going to get there. I can’t wait to see what a shining gem you will be when you get there, because you are already shining pretty brightly.
Hi Debbie,
Thank you for sharing, you know, you are not the only one who has felt this way, or been at this point, and I totally agree with you that “Easy equals mediocrity”. I think we all are diamonds in the rough
Christine
Hi Christine,
I appreciate your viewpoint. I think we all at least feel like we’re diamonds in the rough and like Karin said “Perception is reality.”
Hi Deb here are my words of wisdom.
There is no such thing as instant success. Every great success story has a collection of events, failures and hard work which created that success. The difference between success and failure is how many times one gets back on the horse.
I don’t know about you but I have been on and off mine more than I care to admit… LOL
Rob
Hi Rob,
Great words of wisdom they are, too. And yes, I’ve had a lot of practice getting back up on the horse as well. LOL
Debbie,
You are shinning brighter than ever. Thanks for the inspirational blog!
Gary
Thanks, Gary. I appreciate your support.
I am going to start my comment with a quote also: “perception is reality”. Now, I am starting this way maybe for a different reason than you may think. You see, I have had the honor of talking to Debbie on the phone. From doing so you get an impression of a person. Right or wrong,doesn’t matter. You form an opinion of the person based on the conversation. I am no exception. I talked to Debbie and formed my opinion. In my opinion you are more than a diamond in the rough. My perception (and thus reality, at least for me) is that you are a wonderful person, who helped me exactly the way I needed. You made my day and my life easier. I am very grateful for that, and I know that I will always go back to you if I need a CPA or just somebody to give me some advice. I loved talking to you. Feel that you are a wonderful person, with a lot to give. And giving you are!
That is why I am so sorry to hear about your struggles. You deserve a lot more than that. It sounds to me that your perception of yourself may be different from others perception of you. Hopefully my comment will help you see the value that you bring. If not, let me know and I will find a way to show you my appreciation for who you are.
Hi Karin,
Your response made me cry. You see my passion is to help others, and if I can do that in some small way, I find that fulfilling. I am honored to have helped you and believe you are a wonderful person too. I am blessed to have met you and to have you as a client. Thank you.
Debbie,
Great post, thanks for sharing your vulnerability and courage in it. Love your quotes. As a college teacher, I tell my psychology grad students that none of the good psychologists get into the field because they had happy childhoods.
We are all striving to express who we are, and some, like me, are a little slower in the learning department. Fortunately, we are always given fresh opportunities to learn our lessons and move forward in life.
Thanks again,
Adam
Hi Dr. Adam,
I have to admit that I’ve been a little slow in the learning development myself. But I agree with you that life always provides fresh opportunities to learn those lessons. Thanks for sharing.
Frank Clark said, “If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.”
How true. I love your attitude toward your challenges.
Thanks, Pat. Your support means a lot to me.