Adversity Has Value

In the past when something bothered me, I’d say nothing rather than face an argument. It seemed better for me to be upset than to risk upsetting someone else…

Today I suspect that adversity has value I hadn’t previously recognized. When I face adversity and deal with my problems or express my feelings, things have a chance to improve. ~ Courage to Change, page 139

The line I didn’t copy, well line,
went on with Even if they don’t,
I release some of the pressure.
And sometimes it is scary. But it speaks…
it speaks in the words I have finally begun
living life on life’s terms. 
I’ve known a while.
I’ve been aware of acting from fear,
not from my choices, not from responsibilities
outside of us, of the two, of codependence.
I do what’s easiest, what causes the least ire,
following orders, acting the lackey,
playing the coward. I’d rather keep silent,
continue yielding, not upsetting.
I prefer to avoid adversity. I’d like to say
what a lesson I’ve learned here,
how I’ll be different. I’d like to grow
by leaps and bounds, to claim my pedestal.
But all I can promise is to ask for courage
to change or at least the courage to ask
for the willingness to ask for the courage to change.

 

CrisisIsDangerandOpportunity