Learn - Grow - Progress
From All of Life's Experiences
All of life's experiences will in one way or another have an effect
on our growth as people, shaping and molding us into the people we are
to become. Whether negative or positive, consciously or unconsciously,
our life experiences help to guide our lives, effecting our thoughts,
decisions, and actions. They have an effect on how we see life at different
stages. A person at 28 will have a different outlook than at 18. His ideas
will be different, his goals will have changed, his concept of what is
will not be the same. So each experience should be seen as keys to our
growth and development.
At times we will find that growth is something welcomed and easy, where a smooth transformation from one stage to another can be found. It could be something as simple as learning to ride a bike or drive a car. Or it could be that you are at the movies and hear an actor make a profound statement that catches your attention and gives you enlightenment.
Then there are those times which are not so welcomed, those that may stress you out, giving you untold headaches and heartaches. Those which may cause you to really reevaluate previous ideas that you have. Those experiences which may test you or someone close to you. It could be any crisis you can think of, having lost your job, having lost your home, or a loved one. It could be how you respond to coming home and finding that your hateful neighbor's house is on fire. Will you try to assist him in putting the fire out? Or perhaps you'll allow some past differences to keep you from helping? This is your neighbor, remember, and by not assisting him, your home might catch fire as well. The question is, in the end, will you allow difficult or trying situations to pull you down, or will you grow from them? There is no middle road, the choice is on you.
These experiences which are viewed as challenges, even obstacles, that are in our path of growth often turn out to be the most telling and revealing. Will you learn, grow, progress? Or will you continue to spin your wheels, digging yourself in the mud of whatever challenge you face?
Every situation we find ourselves in should be viewed as a lesson in the school of life. It is the process of being on every level. From the personal level, to that of the family unit, the community, the city, the state, the country, the world, and even Humanity itself! It all starts with self. To Learn, Grow, and Progress. Any situation where you do not learn something should be seen as a lesson lost. Yet as I once mentioned to a close friend, until that lesson is learned we will continue to be held back in the school of life, making the same mistakes over and over again, and never graduating from one stage to the next. The young child who sticks his hand in the fire learns not to touch the flame because he got burned. To what degree that lesson is learned will depend on that child, but the lesson will be learned.
Obstacles and challenges can be seen as tests in the school of life. If for nothing else, they will reveal a weakness or strength in one's character, whether it is in yourself or something close to you. What you do with that lesson is up to you.
While these thoughts are meant for all it's readers, I'd like to take the time to direct my comments to a certain group: Those who find themselves questioning their life and it's direction, those of you who find yourselves feeling trapped in your situation, whatever that might be. Those who wish to make a change in your life and with it's direction, but don't know how.
To you, I want to express that there is always a way to make a change in your life if you have the courage and dedication to do so. There is nothing wrong in rethinking your opinion of life, your view of what is truth, what is important, and what is right. There is nothing wrong in admitting any weaknesses in your character. In fact, I think it is a strength of character, because once a weakness is identified and acknowledged, only then can you work to make corrections.
You arrived at your opinion of life by certain experiences you've had. So far, you have allowed those experiences to pull you down. You've allowed misplaced loyalties to misguide you. You've allowed hard times to drag you further down. It will take strength and a lot of courage to decide not to be trapped anymore. I can guarantee there will be those who will try to discourage you; there will even be those who will turn their back on you. It is okay to take a stand and be your own person, to admit certain ideas may have been wrong. It is a sign of growth and maturity to admit having been wrong and taking action to get it right.
Have the courage to break free; don't allow yourself to remain trapped in that self-destructive cycle you have found yourself in. Use your life experiences, whatever they may be, to learn, grow, and progress as a person. These are just some thoughts and words of encouragement from within the halls of Texas Death Row. Written by Ron R. Howard, Sr. ..
